As eight oil giants met virtually to chart the future of global crude supply, Nigeria — once a key voice in OPEC+ — was nowhere to be seen.
During a virtual meeting on August 3, 2025, eight core OPEC+ producers — Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman — committed to reversing 547,000 barrels per day (bpd) of voluntary cuts.
Previously, they introduced cuts totalling 2.2 million bpd throughout 2023 to stabilise volatile prices.
With this move, the alliance completes its supply recovery plan a year ahead of schedule.
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For instance, Saudi Arabia will boost output to 9.978 million bpd, Russia to 9.449 million, and Iraq to 4.22 million.
Other members will follow the same phased approach.
Nigeria’s Ongoing Struggles
Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to struggle with pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and outdated infrastructure, which have repeatedly caused it to miss production targets.
Although the government implemented reforms through the Petroleum Industry Act, these changes have yet to yield tangible production improvements.
Energy analyst Adaobi Okwuosa explained, “Nigeria doesn’t necessarily exit OPEC+, but the group now advances without depending on a member that consistently underdelivers.”
Pressure Mounts For Reform
Importantly, the alliance has built flexibility into the plan, allowing it to pause or reverse production increases if market conditions shift.
At the same time, the US has ramped up diplomatic pressure on OPEC+ to help lower prices amid global tensions and strong demand.
In response, Nigerian industry stakeholders are urging the government and NNPC Ltd. to act swiftly.
Without immediate reforms, Nigeria risks losing both influence and access to the group’s strategic decisions.
OPEC+ will meet again on September 7.
