Nigeria crude oil theft reduction reaches 50% in 2025, with losses falling to lowest since 2009, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission

Nigeria crude oil theft reduction efforts have recorded a historic success, with the country slashing oil losses by over 50 per cent in the first seven months of 2025, according to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

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In a statement issued Thursday, NUPRC spokesperson Eniola Akinkuotu said the nation lost just 2.04 million barrels of crude oil between January and July 2025, averaging 9,600 barrels per day—the lowest figure recorded since 2009.

By comparison, losses in 2024 stood at 4.1 million barrels, while in 2021—the peak year—Nigeria lost a staggering 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels daily.

This marks a powerful 94.6 per cent reduction over four years, highlighting a substantial improvement in operational control.

The NUPRC attributed the progress to a combination of stronger regulation, improved security collaboration, and local community engagement.

At the heart of this decline is the Commission’s metering audit initiative, which ensures transparency in measuring crude oil production and exports.

This system has helped eliminate data discrepancies that previously masked theft and under-reporting.

The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 also played a pivotal role by providing a modernised regulatory framework, empowering the commission to act decisively.

To reinforce this momentum, NUPRC, under the leadership of Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, has approved 37 new crude evacuation routes designed to bypass high-theft corridors and improve delivery efficiency.

The Commission said it is employing a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

On the kinetic side, enhanced cooperation with security agencies, oil firms, and host communities is strengthening physical protection of oil infrastructure.

On the non-kinetic side, regulatory tightening through audits and system reviews is closing loopholes in operations and reporting.

“We have tightened regulations and introduced strategic initiatives like metering audits across upstream facilities,” the statement noted.

Oyeleke Banmeke, Executive Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, confirmed in June that oil theft had dropped sharply, applauding the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially in the Niger Delta region.

Analysts say the falling loss rates are restoring investor confidence, boosting government revenue, and signalling renewed stability in Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.

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With consistent surveillance, regulatory innovation, and stakeholder cooperation, Nigeria appears firmly on course to sustain this turnaround and protect its vital energy sector.