The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reported a decline in crude oil losses, with theft and metering discrepancies reduced by 94.6 percent since 2021.
According to the Commission, daily crude losses in July 2025 stood at 9,600 barrels per day (bpd), the lowest level recorded since 2009 when losses dropped to 8,500 bpd.
Data released by the NUPRC and shared by its Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, showed that between January and July 2025, Nigeria lost a total of 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 bpd.
This represents a dramatic improvement compared with 2021, when the country recorded 37.6 million barrels lost at an average of 102,900 bpd, the highest loss in nearly 23 years.
In 2022, crude losses dropped to 20.9 million barrels, averaging 57,200 bpd. The downward trend continued in 2023 with 4.3 million barrels lost at 11,900 bpd, while in 2024, the figure further declined to 4.1 million barrels at 11,300 bpd.
The Commission stated that the reduction in 2025 reflects ongoing efforts to address systemic loopholes and improve oversight.
The NUPRC described the July figures as a major milestone in the turnaround of Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.
It added that the results mark a clear departure from the years of high losses that have plagued the industry, eroding revenue and weakening investor confidence. By comparison, crude losses in the first seven months of 2025 were cut by 50.2 percent against the full year of 2024.
The Commission attributed the progress to a combined approach of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. On the kinetic side, it has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, industry operators, and host communities.
On the regulatory front, it implemented metering audits across upstream facilities to ensure accurate measurement of production and exports.
To further close gaps, the Commission under the leadership of Chief Executive, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, approved 37 new crude evacuation routes designed to disrupt theft networks and improve efficiency in crude transport.
The NUPRC emphasized that the steady decline since 2021 aligns with reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The law has provided the regulatory framework to enforce compliance, strengthen transparency, and address long-standing weaknesses in Nigeria’s oil sector operations.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to eliminating crude losses and restoring integrity across Nigeria’s oilfields and pipeline infrastructure.
“The figures show the scale of progress achieved in just four years. From over 37 million barrels lost in 2021 to just 2 million barrels so far in 2025, the turnaround underscores Nigeria’s determination to protect its most valuable resource,” the Commission stated.