NUPRC Reports 50.2% Reduction in Crude Oil Losses Within Seven Months

The Nigerian government has achieved a significant milestone in curtailing crude oil losses, as indicated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Recent data reveals a remarkable 50.2% decrease in losses during the first seven months of 2025.

In a statement released on Thursday by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, it was highlighted that from January to July 2025, Nigeria experienced a loss of 2.04 million barrels of crude oil, averaging 9,600 barrels per day. This figure represents the lowest loss rate since 2009, when daily losses were recorded at 8,500 barrels.

This improvement stands in stark contrast to the 4.1 million barrels lost in 2024, which averaged 11,300 barrels per day. Furthermore, the current statistics show a dramatic reduction from the record losses of 37.6 million barrels in 2021, where the average daily loss soared to 102,900 barrels. The latest figures indicate a staggering 94.57% decline compared to the losses seen in 2021.

The statement emphasized, “Between January and July 2025, crude oil losses were limited to 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 barrels per day. This marks a significant reduction from the high-loss periods that have historically plagued the industry.”

The progress is attributed to effective regulatory measures and collaboration among security agencies, oil operators, and local communities. NUPRC’s metering audit has been instrumental in ensuring precise measurements of production and exports, helping to reduce discrepancies.

The success is also linked to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, which has played a crucial role in the downward trend of oil losses. The statement noted, “Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, Nigeria has consistently made strides in minimizing crude oil losses. Losses were recorded at 37.6 million barrels in 2021, averaging 102,900 barrels per day, which fell to 20.9 million barrels in 2022 and further declined to 4.3 million barrels in 2023.”

To enhance control measures, NUPRC, under the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe, has approved 37 new crude oil evacuation routes to combat oil theft. The commission is employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address the challenges, collaborating closely with stakeholders in the oil sector to safeguard the nation’s resources.

“The Commission has embraced a balanced approach, utilizing both kinetic measures and strategic regulatory actions to address oil losses. We continue to work closely with security agencies, operators, and local communities to ensure our operations are secure,” the statement elaborated.

With the latest figures suggesting a sustained decline in crude oil losses, the outlook for Nigeria’s oil industry appears promising. Earlier in June 2025, Oyeleke Banmeke, Executive Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, noted a significant reduction in crude oil theft compared to figures from two to three years ago, commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for enhancing security along oil-producing corridors, particularly in the Niger Delta.

### Renaissance Partners with Nigerian Navy to Enhance Maritime Security for Oil Assets

In a related development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and the Nigerian Navy have announced a partnership aimed at bolstering maritime security to support enhanced crude oil and gas production across the Niger Delta. This initiative was highlighted during a recent high-level meeting at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja, where senior executives from Renaissance met with naval leadership to discuss collaborative efforts in protecting vital national infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted energy output.

“Our vision for Nigeria’s energy security is rooted in collaboration,” stated Dr. Igo Weli, Renaissance’s General Manager for Relations and Sustainable Development. “Working closely with the Navy ensures that our operations are safeguarded and our growth trajectory remains stable.”

Weli, accompanied by Renaissance’s Chief Production Officer, Meshach Maichibi, reiterated the company’s commitment to partnering with both public and private entities to foster Nigeria’s economic growth through increased oil and gas revenue. Security concerns persist in the Niger Delta, where infrastructure sabotage and crude oil theft present ongoing risks to production and personnel. Renaissance’s General Manager for Security, Toye Fatoki, emphasized the need for improved coordination with the Navy to enhance surveillance of underwater assets and counter maritime threats.

“We are encountering increasingly sophisticated threats to subsea infrastructure and offshore assets,” Fatoki remarked. “A coordinated response with the Navy is crucial, not only to deter criminal activity but also to ensure the safe and stable operation of our facilities.”

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the oil and gas sector. He praised the rapid production turnaround achieved by Renaissance and underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to meet national energy objectives and maintain maritime stability.

Both Renaissance and the Nigerian Navy concluded the meeting by agreeing to establish a joint framework for operational coordination, intelligence sharing, and rapid response mechanisms to protect oil and gas infrastructure. Earlier this year, Renaissance acquired Shell’s stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company and is positioning itself as a leading indigenous upstream operator in Nigeria. This engagement with the Navy is part of Renaissance’s broader strategy to align with governmental and security institutions, ensuring sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.