The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has projected a crude oil production target of more than two million barrels per day in 2026, with the company expressing confidence that ongoing cooperation with pipeline host communities will sustain rising output.
The Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office (PMO), Akponime Omojevwhe, made this known at the monthly stakeholders’ meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Port Harcourt.
The session was organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
2026 Output Projection
Omojevwhe explained that the 2026 national production budget stands at 2.80 million barrels per day (mbpd), with a starting benchmark of 1.84mbpd and a targeted achievable output of 2.06mbpd.
He revealed that the Trans Niger Pipeline is currently operating optimally, attributing its performance to the strong collaboration between communities, stakeholders and PINL.
“I sincerely appreciate all our stakeholders on this corridor because the TNP is green, and that means products are flowing uninterrupted,” he said.
“As we draw closer to 2026, we appeal to you not to relent in ensuring our production target continues to rise.”
The NNPCL operations chief stressed that community cooperation remains the backbone of pipeline protection, warning that no private security structure can succeed without grassroots involvement.
“The communities are a vital part of this job,” he noted. “If community leaders-chiefs, CDCs, youth presidents, women leaders, do not relay our message to their people, there will be nothing like a green pipeline. We appreciate you and urge you to continue supporting PINL.”
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, Edi Julius praised the synergy between the communities and PINL, saying it was directly boosting national production.
“Without peace in your domains, production cannot increase,” he said.
“We are confident that by 2026, Nigeria will hit over two million barrels per day. This will bring more revenue to the government and enable PINL to extend more support to you.”
PINL Reviews Year, Highlights Achievements
General Manager, Community and Stakeholders’ Relations at PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the meeting offered an avenue to assess progress made in tackling pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
He highlighted the year’s major achievements including deeper security operations around the TNP corridor; wider stakeholder inclusion; empowerment programmes for women and students; improved grassroots communication via the Town Crier Initiative; consistent stakeholder engagement; zero illegal bunkering; and strengthened community-company trust.
Mezeh urged the communities to sustain their commitment as the company prepares for 2026 targets. He also announced Christmas palliatives for the 215 TNP host communities.
Responding on behalf of the host communities, His Majesty King Philip Osaro Obele appealed to the Federal Government to channel more development projects to the region in light of growing oil output and improved revenues.
He commended PINL for its regular engagement and transparency, noting that continuous dialogue was key to maintaining peace along the pipeline
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