Nigeria has successfully reduced its crude oil losses by over 50% in the first seven months of 2025, a remarkable improvement in the country’s oil industry. According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), between January and July 2025, the country lost 2.04 million barrels of crude oil, averaging just 9,600 barrels per day. This marks a significant reduction compared to 2024, when losses were recorded at 4.1 million barrels, averaging 11,300 barrels per day.
The figures show a sharp contrast to previous years, particularly the staggering losses in 2021, when Nigeria lost 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels per day. The recent reduction represents a 94.57% decline from those record losses, highlighting the progress made in combating oil theft and improving the security and regulatory frameworks in place.
Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, pointed out that this achievement is due to a combination of effective regulatory measures and collaboration with various stakeholders. “The efforts have been bolstered by the introduction of new evacuation routes, a comprehensive metering audit to ensure accurate measurement of production and exports, and continuous engagement with security agencies and local communities,” Komolafe explained.
In addition, the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 has played a critical role in the decline of oil losses. The regulatory measures introduced under the PIA have ensured that the country continues to make progress in its fight against oil theft, while promoting accountability and transparency within the oil sector.
The latest success is also credited to the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle oil losses. While the kinetic strategies involve working closely with security agencies, oil operators, and communities to prevent theft, the non-kinetic measures include strategic audits to close regulatory gaps and ensure accuracy in production and export data.
