Nigeria leads Africa in crude oil production, extracting about 2 million barrels daily. It ranks among the world’s top oil producers and has 37 billion barrels in proven reserves, placing it 10th globally.
Despite theft and instability affecting output, oil exports still generate nearly 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
The oil industry is centered in the Niger Delta, covering nine states and contributing over 75% of export earnings. This region drives the economy, supporting government revenue, jobs, and foreign income.
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What Are The Top 10 Oil-Producing States In Nigeria?
Here are Nigeria’s top 10 oil-producing states, ranked by daily production:
Rank State Daily Production (Barrels Per Day – BOPD)
1 Akwa Ibom 504,000 BOPD
2 Delta 346,000 BOPD
3 Rivers 344,000 BOPD
4 Bayelsa 290,000 BOPD
5 Ondo 60,000 BOPD
6 Lagos 40,000 BOPD
7 Edo 33,000 BOPD
8 Imo 17,000 BOPD
9 Abia 11,000 BOPD
10 Anambra 3,000 BOPD
Akwa Ibom – 504,000 barrels per day (BOPD)
Akwa Ibom State is Nigeria’s largest oil producer, contributing 504,000 barrels per day (BOPD), about 32% of the country’s total crude output.
This makes Akwa Ibom a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector. Most of its oil comes from offshore fields operated by multinational and indigenous companies, such as Frontier Oil and Savannah Energy.
Oil production drives the state’s economy, with projected revenues of 55 billion naira for 2024. Yet, oil-bearing communities remain underdeveloped.
Activists argue that despite the 13% derivation fund, there’s no dedicated commission to address their needs.
Environmental damage is another issue.
Oil exploration has harmed agriculture, fishing, and local livelihoods. Soil infertility and health risks have forced many to abandon traditional jobs.
Delta – 346,000 BOPD
Delta State is a key oil-producing region in Nigeria, contributing heavily to the country’s crude oil output. It produces about 346,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD).
Major oil companies, including Midwestern Oil & Gas Limited, operate within the state. Nigeria’s oil production improved in late 2024, surpassing 1.5 million BOPD and closing the year at 1.51 million.
The government targets 2.06 million BOPD in 2025, but challenges like oil theft and weak infrastructure persist.
Due to its rich reserves and strong operations, Delta State remains a major contributor. Despite ongoing issues, it generates significant revenue and jobs.
Rivers – 344,000 BOPD
Rivers State produces about 344,000 barrels of oil per day, ranking among Nigeria’s top three oil-producing states.
This accounts for a major share of the country’s total output, which stood at 1.3 million barrels per day in January 2025.
Located in the Niger Delta, the state is rich in hydrocarbons and a hub for oil exploration. It hosts major oil fields and facilities operated by Shell, Chevron, and Total.
The state also has key infrastructure, including refineries and export terminals, essential for crude oil processing and shipment. Rivers’ oil sector drives government revenue, foreign exchange, and jobs.
However, the region faces environmental challenges from oil spills and gas flaring, leading to local protests and calls for better resource management.
Bayelsa – 290,000 BOPD
Bayelsa State is also a key oil-producing region in Nigeria, contributing about 290,000 barrels per day (BOPD).
This ranks it among the top producers, alongside Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers.
Its oil sector drives revenue and jobs, but also comes with environmental and resource management challenges.
Bayelsa is set to expand its production.
The Abigail Joseph Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, operated by the NNPCL-First E&P Joint Venture, aims to add up to 100,000 BOPD.
This supports Nigeria’s broader push to boost output. In 2024, the country averaged 1.54 million BOPD, with a 2025 target of 2 million.
Ondo – 60,000 BOPD
Ondo State produces 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the top states in Nigeria’s oil industry.
Located in the southwest, it stands out for its wealth in both crude oil and natural gas.
The state’s output represents about 4.6% of Nigeria’s daily production, which reached 1.3 million barrels in January 2025.
Owo and Okitipupa host major oil fields, managed by multinational and local firms. These operations strengthen Ondo’s role in Nigeria’s energy sector. The state also has vast natural gas reserves, creating opportunities for LNG projects.
Lagos – 40,000 BOPD
Lagos State produces 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Once not seen as a major oil producer, Lagos has gained recognition through offshore discoveries and growing exploration.
Its production comes mainly from offshore fields like the Aje field in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 113, operated by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum and partners.
Lagos’s inclusion among Nigeria’s oil-producing states shows the diversification of the upstream sector.
Though its output is smaller than major producers like Akwa Ibom and Delta.
As a commercial hub, Lagos easily connects oil production with refining and export logistics. With continued investment in offshore exploration and infrastructure, the state is set to expand its production and boost Nigeria’s overall crude oil output.
Edo – 33,000 BOPD
Edo State produces about 33,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing states.
It is in the South-South geopolitical zone and part of the Niger Delta.
The state is rich in natural resources like crude oil, limestone, and gold, with strong agricultural potential.
Oil production plays a major part in Edo’s economy. Environmental challenges exist, but Edo remains a key player in Nigeria’s crude oil output.
Aside from oil, Edo is Nigeria’s top palm oil producer, supplying 12% of the country’s total output. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s reforms have drawn over $500 million in palm oil investments.
Imo – 17,000 BOPD
Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria, produces 17,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), about 2.5% of the country’s total output.
It’s a mid-tier producer compared to Akwa Ibom and Delta, but has value due to its vast gas reserves, over 50% of Nigeria’s total deposits.
The state has 163+ oil wells across 12 locations, with key hubs in Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Izombe, and Oru East.
Oguta leads with 60% of Imo’s output, followed by Egbema (20%), Izombe (15%), and Ohaji (5%). Major players include Addax Petroleum, Chevron, and Shell.
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Abia – 11,000 BOPD
Abia State, one of Nigeria’s smaller oil-producing states, produces about 11,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Still, it plays a part in the industry with its active oil wells and untapped reserves.
In January 2025, Nigeria’s total crude output hit 1.3 million BOPD, maintaining its position as Africa’s top oil producer.
Abia, in the Niger Delta, a region responsible for over 75% of Nigeria’s crude oil. This area drives the economy, providing nearly 90% of foreign exchange earnings and major government revenue.
Like other Niger Delta states, Abia struggles with oil spills and gas flaring, causing environmental damage.
Though its output is lower than Akwa Ibom or Delta, Abia has room to grow. More investment in exploration and technology could increase production.
Anambra – 3,000 BOPD
Anambra State produces about 3,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD). It’s one of Nigeria’s emerging oil hubs.
The oil comes from the Anambra Basin, a sub-basin within the Niger Delta.
This region has significant crude oil and natural gas reserves. Anambra’s output is small compared to Akwa Ibom or Delta, but its potential is huge.
It was officially recognized as an oil-producing state after successful exploration. This status has attracted investment and projects to boost production.
The state’s crude oil is high-quality, similar to Nigeria’s sweet crude. But growth faces hurdles, poor infrastructure and limited funding. With better investment and upgrades, Anambra could play a bigger part in Nigeria’s oil industry.