2.06M 2026 oil production target achievable – NNPCL

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed confidence that its 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd) crude oil production target for 2026 is achievable, provided sustained surveillance and protection of critical oil infrastructure, particularly the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). The assurance was given by the Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office […]

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed confidence that its 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd) crude oil production target for 2026 is achievable, provided sustained surveillance and protection of critical oil infrastructure, particularly the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
The assurance was given by the Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, Engineer Akponime Omojevwhe, during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa State.
The meeting was organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
Omojevwhe disclosed that while the budget benchmark for 2026 stands at 1.84 million bpd, the corporation is projecting production of 2.06 million bpd, citing improved security and strong collaboration between host communities and pipeline surveillance operators.
“Our projection for 2026 is 2.06 million barrels per day, with a budget benchmark of 1.84 million bpd. With the level of synergy we are seeing in Bayelsa and other PINL-coordinated areas, the target is achievable and realistic,” he said.
He attributed the positive outlook to unhindered operations along the Trans Niger Pipeline, made possible by cooperation from traditional rulers, youth leaders, women leaders and Community Development Committees (CDCs) in the host communities.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company would intensify advocacy for increased government and international oil company (IOC) investment in host communities to further curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
According to him, the provision of basic infrastructure such as roads, schools and healthcare facilities would reduce the temptation for community members to engage in illegal activities.
“Many of the development requests from host communities are beyond the capacity of a private security company like ours. However, we have created a platform to amplify these concerns and will continue to advocate for greater government attention,” Dr. Mezeh said.

Dr. Mezeh highlighted the company’s achievements in the outgoing year, including expanded security coverage of oil and gas assets around the TNP, deeper community inclusion, human capacity development with emphasis on women and students, and improved grassroots communication through the Town Crier Initiative.

He also cited sustained stakeholder engagement, zero incidents of illegal bunkering in secured areas, and enhanced collaboration with host communities.

Commending PINL’s efforts, the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, Chief Moses Theophilus, alongside Dr. Omonineke Kemelayefagha, said the company’s operations have significantly reduced vandalism, oil theft and environmental pollution in the region.

They pledged continued support from the Ijaw National Congress in sustaining the fight against illegal bunkering and sabotage in the Niger Delta.