- Nigeria’s crude oil losses fell to their lowest in nearly 16 years.
- NUPRC strengthened monitoring, security, and evacuation routes to curb theft.
Nigeria’s crude oil losses have reached their lowest level in nearly 16 years, according to figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The Commission confirmed that losses fell to 9,600 barrels per day (bpd) in July 2025, the lowest since 2009, when daily losses stood at 8,500 bpd.
Between January and July 2025, Nigeria lost 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 bpd. This marks a 50.2 per cent reduction compared with 2024, when losses totalled 4.1 million barrels at 11,300 bpd. Therefore, the new figures demonstrate significant progress and renewed stability in the oil industry.
By contrast, 2021 presented a far worse picture. In 2021, Nigeria recorded its heaviest loss in over two decades, with 37.6 million barrels lost. However, by July 2025, losses had dropped by 94.57 per cent, representing 35.56 million barrels saved in just four years.
Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, Nigeria’s crude oil losses have steadily declined. Figures fell from 37.6 million barrels in 2021 to 20.9 million in 2022. Subsequently, they dropped to 4.3 million in 2023 and 4.1 million in 2024.
NUPRC attributed this milestone to a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic measures. In addition, the agency reported stronger collaboration with security forces, operators, and host communities. Furthermore, metering audits across upstream facilities addressed key gaps and closed regulatory loopholes.
Under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission approved 37 new evacuation routes. These routes were designed to curb theft, strengthen monitoring, and safeguard crude production. Meanwhile, regulatory reforms continue to reinforce accountability in the sector.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to achieving zero tolerance for crude oil losses. Consequently, it stressed that ongoing reforms will sustain production capacity and boost government revenues for development.
Through these reforms and safeguards, Nigeria’s crude oil losses are effectively contained, signalling steady progress towards industry stability and national growth.