Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in Africa, and its crude oil production is concentrated in the Niger Delta region, which is in the southern part of the country. Below are the states in Nigeria with the highest oil production and their contributions:
1. Akwa Ibom
- Production Contribution: ~31% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Akwa Ibom is the largest oil-producing state in Nigeria.
- It has numerous offshore oil fields.
- The state’s oil revenue contributes significantly to its economy.
2. Delta
- Production Contribution: ~21% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Delta State is home to large reserves of both onshore and offshore oil.
- It hosts the Forcados Oil Terminal and the Escravos Gas Plant.
- The state also benefits from natural gas production.
3. Rivers
- Production Contribution: ~21% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Rivers State is home to the famous Port Harcourt Refinery.
- It has many oil fields, terminals, and processing facilities.
- The state has been central to Nigeria’s oil history.
4. Bayelsa
- Production Contribution: ~18% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Bayelsa is one of the core states in the Niger Delta.
- It is home to the Oloibiri oil field, where oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in 1956.
- The state has vast swamps and creeks used for oil exploration.
5. Ondo
- Production Contribution: ~3% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Ondo is the largest oil-producing state in southwestern Nigeria.
- It produces oil mainly from offshore fields.
- The state is also known for its bitumen deposits.
6. Edo
- Production Contribution: ~2% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Edo State produces oil from onshore fields.
- It also contributes to natural gas production.
- The state benefits from oil-related economic activities.
7. Imo
- Production Contribution: ~1% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Imo State has several marginal oil fields.
- It plays a small but significant role in oil production.
- Oil exploration is concentrated in areas like Ohaji/Egbema.
8. Abia
- Production Contribution: ~0.68% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Abia State produces oil from onshore wells.
- Oil exploration is focused in areas like Ukwa West and Owaza.
9. Lagos
- Production Contribution: ~0.5% of Nigeria’s total crude oil output.
- Key Features:
- Lagos recently joined the list of oil-producing states.
- Crude oil is mainly produced from offshore fields in areas like Aje.
- The state’s offshore oil potential is still being developed.
Summary of Oil-Producing States and Contribution
| State | % Contribution to Oil Production |
|---|---|
| Akwa Ibom | ~31% |
| Delta | ~21% |
| Rivers | ~21% |
| Bayelsa | ~18% |
| Ondo | ~3% |
| Edo | ~2% |
| Imo | ~1% |
| Abia | ~0.68% |
| Lagos | ~0.5% |
Key Notes:
- Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa dominate oil production, collectively contributing over 90% of Nigeria’s crude oil.
- The Niger Delta region is the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry due to its vast oil reserves.
- Natural gas production is also significant in many of these states, especially in Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
- Oil production has brought wealth but also environmental challenges, particularly in the Niger Delta.
