The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reported significant reduction in crude oil losses, with figures dropping to 50.2 per cent in the first seven months of 2025.
The statement on Thursday by the NUPRC said that between January and July 2025, Nigeria lost 2.04 million barrels of crude oil, averaging 9,600 barrels per day, which is the lowest level since 2009 when losses were recorded at 8,500 barrels per day.
This marks an improvement compared to the 4.1 million barrels lost in 2024, which had an average daily loss of 11,300 barrels.
The latest figures also highlight a significant reduction from the record losses of 37.6 million barrels in 2021, when Nigeria lost an average of 102,900 barrels per day.
The current figures represent a 94.57 per cent drop from the losses experienced in 2021.
“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.
“By comparison, the entire 2024 calendar year recorded 4.1 million barrels lost at a daily average of 11,300 barrels. Remarkably, in just the first seven months of 2025, losses were cut by 50.2 per cent, with only 2.04 million barrels lost over the period.
“The figures for the period ending July 2025 also represent a dramatic 94.57 per cent drop in crude oil losses compared to the full year of 2021, when Nigeria lost a staggering 37.6 million barrels at a daily average of 102,900 barrels,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the progress was made possible by a combination of effective regulatory measures and collaboration with security agencies, oil operators, and local communities.
The NUPRC’s metering audit, aimed at ensuring accurate measurements of production and exports, has played a pivotal role in reducing discrepancies.
“NUPRC’s success is also attributed to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, which has significantly contributed to the downward trend in oil losses,” the report by Punch newspaper quoted the statement as saying.
“Since the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, Nigeria has recorded steady progress in reducing crude oil losses. In 2021, losses stood at 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels per day. By 2022, this dropped to 20.9 million barrels at a daily average of 57,200 barrels.
“The downward trend continued in 2023, with losses reduced to 4.3 million barrels at 11,900 barrels per day. Even more progress was made in 2024, as losses were further contained to 4.1 million barrels, averaging 11,300 barrels per day,” the statement said.
And to further strengthen control measures, the NUPRC, under the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe, has approved 37 new crude oil evacuation routes aimed at combating oil theft.
GIK/APA