NNPC's ₦7.2trn Profit Signals Boom for Offshore Shipping, Gas Carriers at Lagos Anchorage — NPA, NIMASA to Gain By Okwo Romeon — Abuja | Nigeria Anchorage

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has posted a *₦7.2 trillion profit after tax for 2025*, up 33% from ₦5.4trn in 2024, despite a 24% revenue drop to ₦34.5trn — a result driven by higher offshore crude production and gas shipping volumes that directly impacts Lagos anchorage traffic, tanker berthing at Apapa, Tin Can, and Onne ports.

NNPC disclosed this in its audited results for year ended Dec 31, 2025, after its AGM and earnings call.

NNPC Limited Abuja.

Why Maritime Sector Should Care

1. Crude Production at 5-Year High — More Tankers at Lagos Anchorage

Crude oil and condensate production averaged *1.77 million barrels per day (mbpd)* — highest in 5 years. For shipping, that means *more Aframax, Suezmax tankers calling at Bonny, Forcados, Escravos terminals* and lightering vessels at Lagos Anchorage. Daily anchorage occupancy at Lagos is expected to rise from 18 to 22 vessels as NNPC pushes for 2mbpd by 2027 and 3mbpd by 2030.

2. Gas Production Hits 7.2 Bscf/d — Boost for LNG/LPG Carriers:

Natural gas production reached *7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day*, a 3-year high. This feeds Nigeria LNG at Bonny — *more LNG carriers berthing at Bonny Gas Terminal* and LPG coastal vessels moving to Lagos, Port Harcourt for domestic supply. NNPC's target of 12 Bscf/d by 2030 means *more gas carrier traffic for NIMASA Deep Blue Project to secure.

3. AKK Pipeline Completion — Shifts Cargo from Sea to Land?

NNPC completed the *623km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline mainline* — critical for Northern importers. For maritime, AKK reduces need to truck gas products from Lagos ports to Kano/Kaduna by road. Instead, *gas moves by pipeline, freeing Apapa gridlock and Eto truck pressure*. It also means *Kaduna, Kano dry ports can get gas for industries without Lagos import.*

4. 500 CNG Trucks — Direct Impact on Apapa Cargo Evacuation:

NNPC acquired *500 CNG-powered trucks* — These will move white products from depots. For Apapa, Tin Can, this cuts diesel cost for last-mile delivery to Abuja, Jos. CNG trucks also mean *lower freight for Northern importers* who currently pay N1.8m Apapa to Jos.

Financials That Matter for Ports

- EBITDA up 22% to ₦18trn — More cash for offshore asset maintenance, FPSO upgrades

- Operating cash flow up 16% to ₦12.8trn — Funds for crude evacuation infrastructure

- Dividend ₦5.8trn (up 35%) — FG gets revenue for port rehabilitation (Apapa, Tin Can quay walls)

GCEO Quote — Maritime Angle

GCEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari said 2025 performance reflects "disciplined execution" — including improved offshore production efficiency, reduced crude theft in Niger Delta (NIMASA/Navy joint ops), and completion of ANOH Gas Plant nearing start-up which will feed *Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline to Bonny for LNG export.*

NNPC Total Energy limited.

What Northern Importers in Abuja, Kano Should Watch:

Lower crude prices* caused 24% revenue drop — Means *lower freight surcharge for tanker charter* — Good for PMS importers using Tin Can, Ijegun tank farms

$60bn investment target by 2030* across oil & gas value chain — Includes *new offshore terminals, pipeline replacement, gas processing* — More project cargo through Onne, Calabar ports

Outlook:

With 1.77mbpd now, targeting 2mbpd by 2027, *Lagos Anchorage and Bonny anchorage will see higher tanker waiting times* — NPA needs to deploy more anchorage tugs, NIMASA needs to extend Deep Blue cover to Eastern anchorage.

For daily offshore shipping, tanker tracking at Lagos Anchorage, and AKK impact on cargo movement to Abuja/Kaduna, follow Nigeria Anchorage

`