The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says crude oil losses in the country’s upstream sector have fallen to their lowest level in 16 years, marking a major milestone in efforts to curb theft and metering discrepancies.
According to the Commission, losses in July averaged 9,600 barrels per day (bpd)—the lowest since 2009, when daily losses stood at 8,500 bpd. Between January and July 2025, total crude losses were contained at 2.04 million barrels, representing a 50.2% reduction compared to the same period in 2024.
The figures were released in Abuja on Thursday by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.
Dramatic Reduction from Past Highs
The Commission described the drop as a clear break from years of heavy losses. In 2021, crude theft and related issues cost the country 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 bpd—the highest loss recorded in more than two decades.
Losses eased to 20.9 million barrels in 2022 (57,200 bpd) and dropped further in 2023 to 4.3 million barrels (11,900 bpd). By 2024, the figure declined slightly again to 4.1 million barrels, averaging 11,300 bpd.
The current performance reflects a 94.57% reduction compared to 2021, amounting to a savings of 35.56 million barrels in just four years.
Petroleum Industry Act Driving Reforms
NUPRC noted that much of this progress stems from reforms introduced after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which strengthened regulatory oversight and streamlined industry operations.
The Commission said the Act provided the framework for addressing crude theft by enhancing metering integrity, tightening evacuation controls, and improving collaboration with security agencies and host communities.
Strategies Behind the Progress
NUPRC credited a balanced mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies for the sustained decline.
- On the security front, it has worked with the military, law enforcement agencies, operators, and local communities to protect oil infrastructure.
- On the regulatory side, it conducted a comprehensive metering audit across upstream facilities to ensure accurate measurement of production and exports.
- To close systemic loopholes, the Commission approved 37 new crude evacuation routes under the leadership of its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.
Industry Response
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the improvement. In June 2025, the Executive Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Oyeleke Banmeke, confirmed that oil theft had declined significantly compared to levels seen two to three years earlier.
He also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for strengthening security across oil-producing corridors, particularly in the Niger Delta.