The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has projected crude oil production of more than two million barrels per day in 2026, with a budget benchmark set at 2.80 million barrels per day.
Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office (PMO), Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, disclosed this at the monthly stakeholders’ meeting with host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
Omojevwhe said the TNP is currently operating optimally, crediting the steady output to improved collaboration between communities, stakeholders and PINL.
“We appreciate all stakeholders on this corridor. The TNP is green, meaning products are flowing without interruption,” he said.
He explained that while the 2026 budget was set at 1.84 million barrels per day, NNPCL’s production target stands at 2.06 million barrels per day, adding that community cooperation remains key to achieving the projection.
Highlighting the central role of host communities in safeguarding oil facilities, Omojevwhe noted that no private security firm can succeed without local support.
“The communities are vital to this job. Without traditional rulers, CDCs, youth and women leaders taking our message to their people, we cannot maintain green status on the pipeline. We appreciate your efforts and urge continued support for PINL,” he said.
Representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Edi Julius, commended the sustained cooperation between communities and PINL, stressing its positive impact on national oil production.
Read Also: Oshiomhole, Ndume clash over Omokri’s nomination
“Sincerely the minister of petroleum resources appreciates what the communities are doing because without the peace from your domain, I believe production will not be up.
“Today, all of us can testify to the production level and it’s so ambitious for 2026 that we are going to hit the target of 2 million plus barrels per day production. Those things which will bring more money to the government and also, more money to PINL to be able to reach out to you,” he stated.
In his address, Dr Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, PINL, said the meeting gives the company the opportunity to review its progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, and also celebrate, fellowship, and appreciate critical stakeholders, especially leaders of host communities for their support and commitment, which he said have sustained the economic stability of the country.
He gave a highlight of its achievements in the outgoing year to include deepening of security operations to include all oil and gas infrastructures in proximity to the TNP, expanded community and stakeholders’ inclusion, human empowerment with focus on women and students and strengthened grassroots communication with introduction the Town Crier Initiative (TCI).
He also listed sustained consistent stakeholder engagements, zero illegal bunkering and building of greater trust between PINL and host communities as other successes.
Dr. Mezeh called for increased collaboration with the host communities even as they look ahead to 2026.
“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable, ” he appealed.
The PINL official also used the medium to announce Christmas palliatives for the 215 TNP host communities.
Meanwhile, one of the host community leader, His Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obele, called on the Federal Government to carry out more developments in the communities now that they are benefitting by way of increased revenue output from oil production.
He also commended PINL for regularly meeting with them to update the communities on its operations.
