The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced that crude oil losses from theft and metering inaccuracies fell to 9,600 barrels per day in July 2025, the lowest level since 2009 when losses reached 8,500 barrels per day, marking a significant milestone in the sector's turnaround.

In a statement on trends up to July, NUPRC highlighted that cumulative losses from January to July totaled 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 barrels per day over the seven months. This represents a 50.2% reduction compared to the full 2024 total of 4.1 million barrels, which averaged 11,300 barrels daily.

The commission notes a dramatic 94.57% drop from 2021's peak of 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels daily—the highest in nearly 23 years from 2002 to July 2025. Losses have steadily declined since the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act: 20.9 million barrels in 2022 (57,200 barrels daily), 4.3 million in 2023 (11,900 barrels daily), and 4.1 million in 2024.

NUPRC attributes the progress to a combination of kinetic strategies, including collaborations with security agencies, operators, and communities, and non-kinetic measures like metering audits at upstream facilities to ensure accurate production and export tracking.

Under Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, the commission approved 37 new crude evacuation routes to combat theft and enhance oversight. The report underscores ongoing efforts to eliminate systemic loopholes and protect Nigeria's oil resources, with the commission committed to further reductions through regulatory enforcement and partnerships.