Angola takes over from Nigeria - As Africa’s largest oil producer

16.05.2008

Angola became Africa's largest oil producer last month, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Thursday, as unrest sharply cut Nigerian output.

Angola, one of OPEC's newest members, claimed the top spot for the first time pumping 1.873 million barrels per day in April, 55,000 bpd more than Nigeria.

While Angola has gradually increased its production with new offshore oilfields, Nigeria has been plagued by persistent supply disruptions.

Production in Nigeria, Africa's top producer since 1978 on an annual basis, tumbled by as much as 1.36 million bpd in late April or more than 40 per cent of its installed output capacity.

Militant groups have been on a violent campaign in the Niger Delta since 2006 to press for greater local control over oil revenues and development for the impoverished region.

The militants have also argued that five decades of oil extraction had polluted the land and water, and enriched corrupt politicians.

However, most analysts believe Nigeria will retake the top position this month as much of its shut-in production has been restored.