Nigeria Starts New Crude Exports in March to Lift Output

Nigeria begins shipping a fresh crude grade next month. As Africa’s top OPEC oil maker, it seeks higher production, exports, and a bigger OPEC+ quota.

The state oil firm NNPC launches Cawthorne, a sweet crude much like its main Bonny Light.

A source close to the plan says the first shipment hits in March’s third week.

Cawthorne loads from its own FPSO vessel. It may push Nigeria’s crude and condensate to 1.7 million bpd through 2026. That’s up from 1.65 million bpd today, per a Kpler report noted by Reuters.

Nigeria added new grades before: Obodo last year and Utapate in 2024.

The nation fell short of OPEC+ targets lately. It also missed its 2025 production goals. Still, it eyes gains to 2030.

Output averaged 1.5 million bpd in 2025. That trailed the government’s aim by 500,000 bpd.

NNPC vows tighter partner work through 2026. Goals include better output, full infrastructure use, and top upkeep at all sites.

Upstream exec Udy Ntia said in November 2025 that NNPC hits 2 million bpd in two years.

By 2030, it pumps 3 million bpd daily.