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Abuja, Nigeria | By Prime Brief Media

Nigeria's ambition to raise crude oil production has received a boost from the growing contribution of newly introduced crude grade streams, Utapate and Cawthorne.

Data analysed by Prime Brief Media shows the Utapate crude grade produced 8.75 million barrels between January and May 2026, while Cawthorne contributed 3.41 million barrels, bringing combined output to approximately 12.16 million barrels.

Utapate recorded an average daily production of 55,190 barrels in January, rising to 59,290 barrels per day in April, its highest level. However, the field remains below the 80,000 barrels‑per‑day target announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The crude grades, produced from Oil Mining Lease 13 in Akwa Ibom State, have low sulphur content (0.0655%) and have attracted international interest from European and Asian buyers. Their lighter grade makes them attractive for refineries that prefer sweet crude.

The NNPC has expressed optimism that production will reach the target by the end of the year. However, challenges such as pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and underinvestment continue to hamper the sector.

Industry analysts note that the new crude streams are a positive development but caution that sustained investment and security are needed to maintain growth.