The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has formally established its crude oil production goal for 2026 at over two million barrels per day.

This declaration was made by Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, the Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at the Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, during a monthly meeting with stakeholders from the communities surrounding the Trans Niger Pipeline, organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt.

Engr. Omojevwhe detailed the specific projections set for the upcoming budget cycle. He mentioned that the budget prediction for 2026 is 2.80 million barrels per day, beginning with a benchmark of 1.84 mbpd and aiming for an output of 2.06 mbpd. He credited the current effective performance of the TNP to the strong partnership formed between the host communities, various stakeholders, and PINL.

He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the communities, which has enabled operations to run smoothly. “I genuinely appreciate all our stakeholders along this corridor because the TNP is operational without issues, which means products are flowing steadily,” he stated. He then urged everyone to maintain their efforts in the upcoming year: “As we move closer to 2026, we encourage you not to give up on ensuring our production targets continue to grow.”

Engr. Omojevwhe highlighted that ongoing cooperation from host communities is essential for achieving pipeline security, reiterating that no private security firm can succeed without strong grassroots backing.

He underscored the critical role of local residents in preserving operational efficiency. “The communities are an integral part of this work,” he remarked. “If community leaders—chiefs, CDCs, youth presidents, and women leaders—do not communicate our message to their constituents, there will be no seamless pipeline operations. We appreciate your efforts and ask that you keep supporting PINL.”

Edi Julius, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, praised the effective partnership between the host communities and PINL, emphasizing that this relationship directly impacts the increasing national production figures.

Mr. Julius pointed out the close link between community stability and economic benefits. “Without peace in your areas, production cannot grow,” he claimed. He also expressed firm belief in the national aim: “We are confident that by 2026, Nigeria will achieve over two million barrels per day. This will generate more revenue for the government and allow PINL to provide even greater support to you.”

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, explained that the aim of the monthly meeting was to assess progress in combating pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, as well as to recognize community partners for their essential contribution to national economic stability.

Dr. Mezeh enumerated the notable accomplishments achieved throughout the year, such as intensified security operations across the oil and gas infrastructure surrounding the TNP, broader stakeholder inclusion, targeted empowerment initiatives—particularly for women and students—and improved grassroots communication via the Town Crier Initiative. He also mentioned ongoing stakeholder engagement, the eradication of illegal bunkering activities, and significantly enhanced trust between PINL and the host communities.

Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Mezeh called for an even greater level of collaboration, urging communities to persist in their efforts to safeguard national assets and foster regional prosperity. He additionally announced that Christmas assistance would be distributed to the 215 host communities of the TNP.

Speaking on behalf of all the host communities, His Majesty King Philip Osaro Obele urged the Federal Government to assign more development initiatives to the region, especially now that both oil production and national revenues are on the rise. He also specifically praised PINL for maintaining steady engagement and transparency with the communities.