The federal government has set a target to increase oil production per day to 2.3 million per day by mid-2025.
The Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, confirmed the development when he visited the 6 Division Nigerian Army Barracks in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Abubakar attributed the projected increase to the military’s efforts in combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region and the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that current oil production had risen from 1 million barrels to 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels.
He said: “I believe we are now at about 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels as against 1.4 million Barrel that we were on. And I believe that by the end of the year, we will see ourselves around 1.9 to 2 million barrels.
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“And by the middle of next year (God’s willing) we will be producing about 2.3 million barrels. With the arrangement that I have seen in place, and with the efforts the Arm Forces are putting in the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and the service Chiefs and course with the encouragement from the President.
“The oil production has to continue to increase and I assure you before the end of the year we will see a tremendous increase in the oil production in this country.”
The minister’s visit was aimed at boosting troop morale and assessing progress in securing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
He commended the troops for their excellent work and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
He added: “I came for a visit to see our troops and to encourage them to continue to do the good job that they are doing around here and also see how we increase the fight against crude oil theft in the region.
“Well I have gone through the detailed plans that were agreed upon by the chief staff and it is a work in progress. By certainty, you have seen the progress so far.”
Abubakar also inaugurated two newly built buildings and planted a tree within the barracks, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the troops’ working conditions.
He said the target aligned with the federal government’s broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.