The Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has recorded its highest daily crude oil production in more than three decades, hitting 355,000 barrels per day on December 1, 2025.

The milestone, confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, marks the company’s biggest output since 1989 and signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s upstream recovery efforts.

According to the statement, NNPC E&P Limited’s average daily output has increased by 52 per cent in two years, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025—a performance the company attributed to strengthened operational systems, disciplined asset management and structured field development.

“On December 1, 2025, NNPC E&P Limited, the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, achieved a record production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day, its highest daily output since 1989.

“The milestone marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector and reflects the company’s ongoing transformation anchored on efficiency and discipline.

“The figures show genuine transformation: average daily production surged 52 per cent, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 in 2025.

“This record growth is no coincidence; it stems from a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management and structured field development,” the statement said.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, described the accomplishment as evidence that Nigeria’s energy revival “is not a dream but already happening.”

Ojulari said that by exceeding its own production benchmarks, NNPC E&P has shown that the essential building blocks needed to scale national output are being established.

“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established.

“The achievement signals that the machinery of production, equipment, processes, capabilities and partnerships can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes.

“The achievement converts national ambition into measurable momentum. The presidential targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030 have often appeared aspirational. NEPL’s delivery brings them closer to reality,” he added.

He said the accomplishment boosts investor confidence and reassures global partners that Nigeria remains committed to reclaiming its place as a stable and dependable crude supplier.

The Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the milestone represents more than a production figure, noting that NEPL’s growth is anchored on responsible and sustainable operations.

“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations.

“This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing or environmental protection,” Ntia said.

According to him, the company’s approach ensures that higher output does not undermine worker safety, environmental protections or community relations.

Nigeria’s crude oil sector has struggled over the past decade, with output frequently dropping below OPEC quotas due to pipeline vandalism, crude theft, underinvestment, deferred maintenance and declining performance of mature fields.

At several points between 2021 and 2023, the country’s production fell to multi-decade lows, raising concerns about revenue losses and the long-term viability of the industry.

Reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, the unbundling of NNPC into a commercial entity and renewed upstream interventions have aimed to reverse the decline.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has set ambitious production targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030, targets that industry players previously considered optimistic.

NNPC E&P Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary responsible for several joint venture and production-sharing assets, has been positioned as a key driver of the revival.

The company has implemented field optimisation strategies, renewed contractor alignment, strengthened governance structures and ramped up previously underperforming assets.

The latest 355,000bpd performance—its highest since 1989—represents a significant step toward stabilising national output and rebuilding investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil industry.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike on Monday reiterated that President Bola Tinubu, will continue to support the judiciary to enhance productivity, reduce delays, and uphold the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

The Minister disclosed that budgetary provisions had been made to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.

Wike, in his goodwill message at the Special Court session formally marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Monday, said “well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment.

He disclosed that “under the President’s decisive action, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and commenced the full perimeter fencing of the entire complex to safeguard the nation’s apex court against encroachment and security breaches. This swift, long-awaited intervention gives the Apex Court of our beloved country the much-needed Confidence Building which had not been done in past administrations. This confidence building actions trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.”

The Minister also listed various interventions and supports of the President for the judiciary through the FCTA to include; the ongoing construction of secure and befitting residential quarters for Heads of Courts within the FCT and ongoing construction of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi District to expand access to justice for FCT residents and reduce the burden on existing court infrastructure.

Others are construction of Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School in the FCT and design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja division Complex as well as residences of the Justices of the National Industrial High Court Abuja Division and Federal High Court Abuja Division.

He stated that the projects were designed to directly support judges in the performance of their duties, saying that “The reasoning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”

Reiterating the continued support of the FCTA to the implementation of justice reforms, Wike said; “As we step into the new Legal Year, the FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms. Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is most needed.

“We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilization.

“Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.

“We will continue to collaborate with the various FCT-based judiciaries (including the Court of Appeal) to support the digitization of court proceedings and registries to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and accelerate the dispensation of justice.

“Let me state that Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system. I am confident that the commencement of this 2025/2026 Legal Year will herald a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal.”

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Federal government has handed over 100 rescued Pupils of Catholic school children from Papiri and Agwara local government area to Governor Umar Bago at a solemn ceremony at Government house, Minna.

Representative of the National security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, Wing Commander Abdullahi Adi Hong while handling over the Pupils, assured that the Federal government is determined to ensure that Nigerian Children have access to safe learning environment.

He explained that, that the rescue operation was spearheaded by the Department of State Services, the Army and other sister security agencies.

“This operation took two intensive weeks by the DSS, Army and other security agencies to carry out in a well-coordinated manner”

He assured Nigerians that the Federal government is determined to protect all communities and called on subnational and traditional rulers to foster partnership towards curtailing insecurity.

“This administration is committed towards ensuring that schools are safe for Nigerian children to learn by ensuring their safety.”

In his remarks, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for the rescue of 100 out of the 251 students and teachers.

“Today is quite fundamental in Niger State, because, this is a redefining moment for our State

“For those who ate praying, let’s continue to pray until the remaining students and teachers join us safely.”

He disclosed that, the State government has provided medical attention for the rescued students adding that, the State government is working closely with CAN for the reintegration of children with their families.