Anda Micheal, Abuja
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that crude oil losses from pipeline vandalism and theft have dropped to 9,600 barrels per day (bpd), the lowest figure in over 15 years.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission described the July 2025 figures as a “dramatic turnaround” for the industry. The last time losses fell this low was in 2009, when daily losses averaged 8,500 bpd.
According to NUPRC, between January and July 2025, total losses were contained at 2.04 million barrels, representing a 50.2% reduction compared to the 4.1 million barrels lost in the whole of 2024.
The Commission highlighted that the progress is even more significant when compared to 2021, a peak year when Nigeria lost 37.6 million barrels at a daily average of 102,900 bpd. The 2025 figures represent a 94.6% drop over the four-year period.
“Since the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, Nigeria has consistently recorded reductions in crude oil losses,” the statement noted. Losses fell from 37.6 million barrels in 2021 to 20.9 million in 2022, 4.3 million in 2023, and 4.1 million in 2024.
The Commission attributed the progress to a mix of security collaboration and regulatory reforms. “On the kinetic front, we are working closely with security agencies, operators, and host communities. On the non-kinetic front, we have closed systemic loopholes through regulatory initiatives such as metering audits across upstream facilities to ensure accurate measurement of production and exports,” it stated.
It added that 37 new crude oil evacuation routes have been approved under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe to strengthen control and combat theft.
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