Nigeria records 50% drop in Crude Oil losses, lowest levels since 2009 – Reports

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Nigeria has recorded a major success in its battle against crude oil theft and losses, with new data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showing a 50.2 per cent reduction in losses during the first seven months of 2025.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Head of Media and Strategic Communications at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, revealed that the country lost 2.04 million barrels of crude between January and July 2025, averaging 9,600 barrels per day. He noted that this represents the lowest loss level since 2009, when daily losses were at 8,500 barrels.

By contrast, Nigeria lost 4.1 million barrels of crude in the entire year of 2024 at a daily average of 11,300 barrels. The new figures also show remarkable progress when compared with the peak year of 2021, during which the nation suffered its highest-ever losses of 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels per day. The 2025 figures therefore mark a 94.57 per cent reduction from that peak.

Akinkuotu explained the reason for the improvement: “Between January and July 2025, crude oil losses were contained at 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 barrels per day over the seven-month period. This marks a clear departure from the high-loss years that have long plagued the industry.”

The commission credited stronger regulation, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies for the turnaround. It highlighted its metering audit initiative—introduced to guarantee accurate production and export measurement—as a key factor in closing gaps that previously enabled theft.

It also pointed to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 as a game-changer, providing a stronger framework for regulation and accountability. According to NUPRC’s records, crude oil losses dropped from 20.9 million barrels in 2022 (57,200 barrels daily) to 4.3 million barrels in 2023 (11,900 barrels daily) and further to 4.1 million barrels in 2024 (11,300 barrels daily).

To build on this progress, the Commission, under the leadership of Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, has approved 37 new crude oil evacuation routes to block theft opportunities

According to the statement, “The commission has adopted a balanced mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling oil losses. On the kinetic front, we continue to work with security agencies, operators, and communities. On the non-kinetic front, we have tightened regulations and introduced strategic initiatives like metering audits across upstream facilities.”

Industry leaders have also confirmed the progress. In June 2025, the Executive Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Oyeleke Banmeke, acknowledged that crude theft had declined sharply. “Crude oil theft has dropped significantly compared with levels recorded two to three years ago,” Banmeke said.

He further praised government efforts in securing production areas. “We commend President Bola Tinubu’s administration for strengthening security in oil-producing regions, particularly the Niger Delta, which has long been the hotspot for crude theft,” he added.

Analysts have welcomed the development, noting that the sharp drop in oil losses will boost investor confidence, improve government revenue, and enhance the stability of Nigeria’s oil sector at a time of critical fiscal needs.

With downward trends already established and new evacuation routes set to enhance monitoring, Nigeria appears positioned to consolidate momentum in safeguarding its most vital economic resource

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