Nigeria's crude oil exports surge to ₦29 trillion in 2023, marking a record high
Crude oil exports, which made up 81% of Nigeria's export value in 2023 have increased in three consecutive years since 2021. After a 36% decline in 2020, exports increased by 53% in 2021, 46% in 2022, and 37% in 2023 to reach ₦29 trillion.
The United States remains the undisputed leader with 589 active rigs, accounting for nearly a third of all rigs worldwide in 2024.
Canada (162 rigs) and Iran (117 rigs) follow as the second and third highest contributors to global drilling activity.
Middle Eastern producers dominate the top 10, with Kuwait (80), UAE (73), Saudi Arabia (70), Iraq (62), and Oman (50) collectively operating 335 rigs.
Nigeria ranks 15th globally with 31 active rigs, making it one of only two African nations in the global top 20.
The top 10 countries account for over 75% of the world’s active rigs, reflecting the continued concentration of drilling infrastructure in a handful of key oil-producing regions.