Nigeria’s indigenous oil producers have staged a remarkable production rebound in the first half of 2025, with Seplat Energy, Oando Plc, and Aradel Holdings Plc recording significant jumps in crude output despite volatile global prices.
Seplat Energy Leads with 178% Output Growth
Seplat Energy posted an average production of 134,492 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in H1 2025, including 100,327 barrels of crude oil per day (bopd), a 178% leap from the same period last year.
The surge was driven by the reactivation of 29 previously idle wells, adding roughly 25,900 bpd, improved offshore asset uptime, and a 13% rise in onshore output.
Revenue soared 231% year-on-year to US$1.4 billion, though net profit fell 45% to US$27.4 million due to higher taxes and operating expenses.
Oando Delivers 63% Production Boost
Oando’s group production averaged 37,012 boepd, up 63% from H1 2024, with crude oil output climbing 77% to 10,479 bopd.
This growth came on the back of full integration of NAOC assets, better Trans Niger Pipeline utilization, and an increase in crude liftings from 10 to 14 cargoes.
The company also reported ₦1.72 trillion in revenue for the period.
Aradel Sees Steady Gains Despite Price Drop
Aradel Holdings increased crude output by 19.7%, from 12,957 bpd in H1 2024 to 15,508 bpd this year.
Export crude revenue rose 36% to ₦232.8 billion, buoyed by higher production, enhanced pipeline usage, and the Alternative Crude Evacuation (ACE) system, despite average crude prices falling to $73.60 per barrel.
Overall revenue reached ₦368.1 billion (up 37.2%), while profit after tax surged 40.2% to ₦146.4 billion.
Industry Context
The rebound highlights a broader transformation in Nigeria’s oil sector, with local firms now accounting for more than half of the nation’s output. Key growth drivers include asset acquisitions such as Seplat’s ExxonMobil shallow-water deal and Oando’s NAOC consolidation, as well as improved infrastructure, better pipeline efficiency, and strategic well reactivations.
With strong operational momentum and infrastructure gains, Nigeria’s indigenous oil producers appear poised for sustained growth, potentially reshaping the country’s energy balance in the years ahead.