Nigeria
Top 10 Highest Oil Producing States in Nigeria 2025
Oct
The highest oil producing state in Nigeria 2025 powers the entire nation’s economy. Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer with 159 oil fields and 1,481 wells, mostly in the Niger Delta. These oil-producing states generate billions in revenue yearly through petroleum exports.
Oil production dominates Nigeria’s economy. Petroleum accounts for over 90% of export revenue and 80% of government income. The top oil states control Nigeria’s economic destiny through crude oil production.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Oil Producing States in Nigeria 2025
- Delta State – 99.9 million barrels (11 months, #1 Producer)
- Akwa Ibom State – Over 30% of national daily production
- Rivers State – Major Niger Delta producer
- Bayelsa State – 18-20% of national production (290,000 BPD)
- Edo State – 33,000 barrels per day
- Cross River State – Offshore and onshore production
- Ondo State – Coastal oil production
- Abia State – Onshore oil operations
- Imo State – Limited onshore production
- Anambra State – Recently entered production
Source: Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) 2025 data
How We Found the Highest Oil-Producing State in Nigeria
We looked at official data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). We analyzed total barrels produced, daily production rates, and state rankings. We verified production figures from verified government sources and energy publications.
All figures come from credible 2025 NUPRC reports and verified energy sector publications.
Top 10 Highest Oil Producing States in Nigeria 2025
1. Delta State – 99.9 Million Barrels (11 Months)
Delta State is the highest oil-producing state in Nigeria with 99.9 million barrels produced between November 2023 and September 2024. This accounted for more than one-third of the national production of 295.34 million barrels.
Delta State has solidified its status as Nigeria’s leading crude oil and condensate producer. It maintains a wide lead over other states, reinforcing its central role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Why Delta State Leads:
- Most developed oil infrastructure
- Largest number of productive wells
- Advanced production facilities
- Strategic reservoir locations
- Decades of oil exploration investment
Production Details:
- Total 2024 production: 99.9 million barrels
- Percentage of national output: 33%+
- Daily production rate: Approximately 27,000+ barrels per day (based on output)
- Multiple oil fields and platforms
2025 Outlook: Delta State continues maintaining its leading position. New production platforms come online. Existing fields remain productive. The state’s oil wealth benefits its residents through government revenue.
2. Akwa Ibom State – Over 30% of National Daily Production
Akwa Ibom State ranks as the second-highest oil-producing state, accounting for over 30% of all crude oil produced in Nigeria daily. Its offshore fields produce significant volumes.
Akwa Ibom benefits from vast underwater reserves. International oil companies operate major fields here. The state’s production remains consistently high.
Production Strength:
- Offshore oil fields (majority of production)
- Large proven oil reserves
- International oil company operations
- Advanced production technology
- Strategic location advantages
Economic Impact:
- Massive government revenue from oil
- Employment in oil sector
- Supporting services and businesses
- International company spending
- Infrastructure development
3. Rivers State – Major Niger Delta Producer
Rivers State ranks third among Nigeria’s oil-producing states. Located in the Niger Delta, it has extensive oil and gas reserves.
Rivers State benefits from onshore and offshore oil production. Port Harcourt, its capital, serves as the oil industry’s commercial hub.
Productive Resources:
- Onshore oil fields
- Offshore platforms
- Gas production (major contributor)
- Oil servicing companies
- Supporting infrastructure
Business Hub: Rivers State hosts numerous oil company headquarters. Oil services, shipping, and logistics create secondary wealth. The state’s oil economy attracts millions of workers.
4. Bayelsa State – 18-20% of National Production
Bayelsa State produces 18-20% of Nigeria’s oil output, generating around 290,000 barrels per day. Home to Nigeria’s first commercial oil well, Bayelsa is oil’s historical birthplace.
Bayelsa accounts for just over 1% of Nigeria’s population but produces 18-20% of its oil. The state also produces 18 trillion cubic feet of gas. This disparity shows Bayelsa’s complete dependence on petroleum.
Historical Significance:
- Location of Nigeria’s first commercial oil well
- Over 70 years of continuous production
- Pioneer in offshore production
- Established petroleum infrastructure
Current Production:
- 290,000 barrels per day
- 18-20% of national output
- 18 trillion cubic feet of gas
- Multiple producing oil fields
5. Edo State – 33,000 Barrels Per Day
Edo State produces approximately 33,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Located in the South-South geopolitical zone, it’s part of the Niger Delta region.
Edo State is rich in natural resources including crude oil, limestone, and gold. Strong agricultural potential complements its oil wealth.
Resource Portfolio:
- Crude oil production (33,000 BPD)
- Limestone deposits and mining
- Gold reserves in exploration
- Agricultural production
- Manufacturing activities
Production Location: Edo’s oil fields operate in the Niger Delta. Both onshore and some offshore operations occur here. The state benefits from petroleum revenue allocations.
6. Cross River State – Offshore and Onshore Production
Cross River State produces oil from both offshore and onshore fields. Coastal location enables offshore petroleum operations.
Cross River’s reserves support continuous production. International oil companies operate major fields here.
Production Mix:
- Offshore oil platforms
- Onshore oil fields
- Gas production
- Oil servicing support
- Infrastructure facilities
7. Ondo State – Coastal Oil Production
Ondo State produces oil from coastal waters. Its location on Nigeria’s southwestern coast provides access to offshore reserves.
Ondo’s oil production supports its economy. Government revenue from petroleum funds development projects.
Coastal Advantage:
- Offshore oil fields
- Access to international shipping routes
- Oil servicing support
- Logistics and warehousing
- Port facilities
8. Abia State – Onshore Oil Operations
Abia State operates onshore oil fields in the Niger Delta. Its onshore production contributes to Nigeria’s total output.
Abia’s oil reserves remain productive. Onshore operations create local employment.
Onshore Focus:
- Onshore oil wells
- Supporting services
- Local employment creation
- Community relationships
- Government revenue
9. Imo State – Limited Onshore Production
Imo State has limited onshore oil production. Its reserves are smaller than major oil states.
Imo’s oil wells operate continuously but at lower volumes. The state diversifies with other economic activities.
Production Scale:
- Limited onshore fields
- Smaller reserve base
- Local employment
- Government allocation revenue
- Other industries supplement economy
10. Anambra State – Recently Entered Production
Anambra State recently entered oil production after gaining rights to onshore oil blocks. This represents new wealth opportunity for the state.
Anambra’s new oil production expands Nigeria’s production capacity. Recent Petroleum Industry Act changes enabled this expansion.
New Producer Status:
- Recently acquired oil blocks
- Early-stage production
- Future growth potential
- Employment opportunities
- Long-term revenue prospect
Why Some States Produce More Oil Than Others
Oil production depends on several factors:
Reserve Size: States with larger proven reserves produce more. Delta and Akwa Ibom have massive reserves. Anambra has smaller initial reserves.
Infrastructure: Established infrastructure supports higher production. Major oil states have wells, pipelines, and facilities. New producers lack infrastructure.
International Investment: Major oil companies invest billions in high-production states. Infrastructure and expertise follow investment.
Geographic Location: Offshore capacity determines production potential. Coastal states produce more offshore oil.
Government Policy: Business-friendly policies attract oil companies. Good governance encourages investment and production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delta State is the highest oil-producing state with 99.9 million barrels produced over 11 months (Aug 2024-Aug 2025). It accounts for more than one-third of Nigeria’s national oil production and maintains a wide lead over other states.
Nigeria produces approximately 1.8-2 million barrels per day total. Top states produce: Delta (~27,000+ BPD), Akwa Ibom (30%+ of daily output), Bayelsa (290,000 BPD), and others. Daily production fluctuates due to maintenance and operational challenges.
Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa account for nearly 85% of Nigeria’s daily oil output. These four states dominate Nigeria’s petroleum production. Together they produce over 1.5 million barrels daily.
Oil-producing states receive 13% derivation fund from federal oil revenue. This amounts to billions of naira yearly. Top oil states receive hundreds of billions in quarterly allocations.
Production challenges include: aging infrastructure, insecurity in Niger Delta, maintenance shutdowns, pipeline leaks, theft (bunkering), underinvestment, and changing global oil demand. Improving security and infrastructure could boost production significantly.
Proven reserves are estimated at 36-37 billion barrels at current production rates lasting 30-50+ years. However, new discoveries and technology improvements may extend this timeline indefinitely.
Yes, Anambra State recently entered oil production after the Petroleum Industry Act reforms. Other states with oil reserves may enter production as regulations and opportunities develop.
Conclusion: Oil Producing States Power Nigeria
The highest oil producing state in Nigeria 2025 shows the country’s oil wealth concentration. Delta State’s leadership produces one-third of Nigeria’s petroleum. Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa follow as major producers.
These four states account for nearly 85% of Nigeria’s daily oil output. Their petroleum wealth makes them Nigeria’s economic engines. Government revenue from their oil funds national development.
Oil production faces challenges from aging infrastructure and security issues. Production fluctuates as maintenance occurs. Theft (illegal bunkering) reduces output.
However, oil remains Nigeria’s lifeblood. Petroleum revenue funds hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Oil states receive special allocations supporting their development.
Nigeria’s oil wealth offers opportunity for economic growth. Improved security and infrastructure investment could boost production significantly. New producers like Anambra diversify the petroleum industry.
The success of oil states depends on good governance. Revenue management determines benefits reaching ordinary citizens. Transparency and accountability build prosperous communities.
How can Nigeria improve oil production? Should the country diversify beyond petroleum? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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External Resource: For comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s petroleum sector and production data, visit Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for official production statistics and regulatory information.