Nigeria is preparing to lobby for a 25% increase in its oil production quota by 2027, backed by expanded refining infrastructure and improved extraction capacity, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Under the leadership of Group CEO Bashir Ojulari, the NNPC has set a goal to raise its production quota from the current 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2 million bpd. At present, output is hovering around 1.4 million bpd, supplemented by 250,000 bpd in condensates, bringing total daily production to approximately 1.65 million bpd.

The company aims to reach a production potential of 2.4 million bpd by 2027, with 2.1 million bpd from crude and 300,000 bpd from condensates.

This request for a higher quota aligns with a broader review by OPEC+, which is reevaluating each member’s maximum sustainable output levels.

Nigeria’s historical challenges in meeting existing quotas, due to underinvestment and infrastructure setbacks, are reportedly being addressed.

Ojulari noted that recent improvements in domestic refining capacity bolster Nigeria’s case for a quota increase. “We believe that with the increased demand being created in-country, we are now in a better position to also seek from OPEC an increase in our production quota,” Ojulari said, as quoted by Argus Media.

The 650,000 bpd Dangote refinery, alongside 500,000 bpd of modular capacity in various stages of implementation, is expected to transform Nigeria from an import-dependent nation to one with significant in-country processing capabilities.

The outcome of discussions with OPEC will determine the success of this bid, but officials remain optimistic.