Nigeria’s crude oil production reached its highest level in more than six years in June, supported by stable operations across oil fields and improved reliability of pipeline networks, according to data released by the country’s upstream regulator on Sunday.

Africa’s largest oil producer pumped an average of 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in June, exceeding its 1.5 million bpd production quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The figure represents a 4% increase above Nigeria’s OPEC allocation, according to data from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Including condensates, which are not subject to OPEC quotas, Nigeria’s total oil production averaged 1.735 million bpd in June, up from 1.700 million bpd in May. The increase marked the country’s fourth consecutive month of production growth.

June’s crude output was the highest recorded since April 2020, representing a 74-month high.

The regulator said stable operations across producing assets and the absence of major pipeline disruptions helped improve production uptime and crude evacuation.

Nigeria’s oil industry has faced years of challenges, including pipeline vandalism, crude theft and operational disruptions, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. These issues have significantly affected output and reduced government revenues from the sector.

A steady recovery in production has been recorded since February, with crude output rising from 1.483 million bpd to 1.546 million bpd in March, 1.663 million bpd in April, 1.700 million bpd in May and 1.735 million bpd in June.

The latest increase strengthens Nigeria’s efforts to restore investor confidence in its energy sector and move closer to its long-term production targets.

The country has been working to attract new investments, improve infrastructure security and increase operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry.

However, challenges remain, including the need to modernize energy infrastructure, reduce crude theft and diversify the economy away from heavy dependence on oil revenues.