Top 10 Oil Producing States In Nigeria 2023

There is a notable number of oil producing countries in the world among which is Nigeria. It is the 11th of the top 15 in the world but the first largest in Africa.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at oil producing States in Nigeria. But first, let’s check out some vital information regarding oil production in Nigeria.

In 2021, accumulated crude oil from oil producing States in Nigeria produced a huge amount of oil up to 78 million metric tons, followed by Libya, Algeria, and Angola, with an output above 50 million metric tons production by each of the countries listed.

In the light of this, to emphasize oil production in Nigeria, the meaning of crude oil would be briefly explained.

Table of Contents

What is Crude Oil?

Crude oil means a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the liquid phase in natural underground reservoirs and remains liquid at atmospheric pressure after passing through surface separating facilities.

What Is in Crude Oil?

Crude oil is a mixture of comparatively volatile liquid hydrocarbons (compounds composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon), it also contains some nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen.

Let’s also look at the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria.

History of Oil Discovery in Nigeria

What year was crude oil found in Nigeria?

Crude oil was reportedly discovered in Nigeria, in the year 1956. It was discovered in a community called “Oloibiri Oilfield” located in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The actual date of the discovery was on Sunday, 15th of January, 1956.

However, an international company known as Shell Darcy popularly referred to as “Shell” found this out.

The Top 10 Oil Producing States in Nigeria

The oil producing States in Nigeria include:

Akwa Ibom
Delta
Rivers
Bayelsa
Ondo
Lagos
Edo
Imo
Abia
Anambra

1. Akwa Ibom (31.4% – 504,000 BPD)

Akwa Ibom is the largest among the oil producing States in Nigeria with certain barrels of 504,000 of crude oil on daily basis. However, the state generates 31.4% of the country’s crude oil every day. Uyo is the capital of Akwa Ibom. There are other natural resources available in this part of the country – it includes Limestone, Clay, natural gas, salt, etc.

2. Delta (21.56% – 346,000 BPD)

The second largest of the oil producing States in Nigeria currently is Delta State and it produces 346,000 barrels of crude oil daily. However, the statistics of oil production dropped by 21.56%. Besides, the State acquires a petrochemical plant in Warri and a refinery. This legacy is the reason behind the slogan “the heartbeat of Delta State”, Asaba is the capital of Delta State. Other natural resources that could be found in this State are rubber, timber, fine sand, and clay.

3. Rivers (21.43% – 344,000 BPD)

Rivers State is the third largest oil producing state in Nigeria with 344,000 barrels of crude oil on daily basis. In addition, the state produces 21.43% of crude oil for the country’s economy. However, Rivers State was previously the highest oil-producing state in Nigeria before Akwa Ibom State took the lead.

Crude oil was firstly discovered in Rivers State. Therefore, the headquarters of the top petroleum and refinery companies are situated in Port Harcourt which is the capital of Rivers. Most of these petroleum and refinery companies are Chevron, Shell, Total, etc. In addition, some other natural resources that could be found in the state include natural gas, plantains, bananas, cassava, oil palms, coconuts, rubber, etc.

4. Bayelsa (18.07% – 290,000 BPD)

Bayelsa State is the fourth largest oil producing State in Nigeria, it produces 18.07% of crude oil daily. However, the state produces 290,000 barrels of oil daily and it was the first State that crude oil was discovered in 1956, the capital of Bayelsa is Yenagoa. Other natural resources that could be found therein include Silica Sand, salt, and Natural gas.

5. Ondo ( 3.74% – 60,000 BPD)

Ondo is also one of the oil producing States in Nigeria, it produces over 60,000 barrels of oil daily. The State produces 3.74% of crude. This State has bitumen and tar sands as its natural resources, the capital of Ondo is Akure.

6. Lagos (2.64% – 40,000 BPD)

Lagos State was recently discovered as one of the oil producing States in Nigeria. However, the state produces 40,000 barrels of oil daily, this takes 2.64% of the oil production in Nigeria. The capital of Lagos is Ikeja.

7. Edo (2.06% – 33,000 BPD)

Edo State is not left out of the oil producing States in Nigeria. However, the state produces 33,000 barrels of crude oil daily and 2.06% of the raw petroleum yield in Nigeria. The capital of Edo State is Benin City. Edo State is not only blessed with crude oil but also are other resources like limestone, mud, gold, iron mineral, fine sand, and stone.

8. Imo (1.06 % -17,000 BPD)

Imo State is the 8th among the oil producing States in Nigeria with Owerri as its capital. This State produces 17,000 barrels of crude oil every day which adds 1.06% of crude oil resources to the country’s income. Other resources which could be found here are lead, zinc, fine sand, mud, and limestone.

9. Abia (0.68% – 11,000 BPD)

The capital of Abia State is Umuahia. This State flourishes with crude oil gaining it the title of one of the oil producing States in Nigeria. Nonetheless, Abia State represents 0.68% of the oil delivered every day. This State produces 11,000 barrels of crude oil every day to the country’s oil production. Other available natural resources in Abia are; lead, zinc, fine sand, and limestone.

10. Anambra (2.74% — 55,000 BPD)

Anambra is one of the most recently discovered oil producing States in Nigeria. Like every other State in Nigeria, Anambra is blessed with numerous natural resources such as natural gas, bauxite, ceramic and more. Located in the Southeastern region of Nigeria, Anambra has Awka as its capital.

On the Last Note

Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Anambra States are presently the oil producing States in Nigeria. So, Nigeria being the largest oil producing country in Africa is a legacy that is worth being proud of. Nigeria is indeed the giant of Africa.

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Top 10 Oil Producing States In Nigeria 2023