Nigeria has achieved its most remarkable progress in tackling crude oil theft and leakages in over a decade, thanks to the reforms and policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The latest report released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) shows that crude oil losses have dropped to their lowest level in 16 years, reflecting the success of the administration’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and security in the oil and gas sector.
According to the report, daily losses stood at 9,600 barrels per day in July 2025, the lowest since 2009. This is a sharp contrast to 2021, when Nigeria lost 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels per day. Between January and July 2025, only 2.04 million barrels were lost, representing a 50.2 percent reduction compared to the 4.1 million barrels lost in 2024.
Industry experts attribute this turnaround to President Tinubu’s policy reforms, which strengthened collaboration between security agencies, host communities, and operators, while empowering the NUPRC to enforce tougher regulatory measures. The Commission has implemented metering audits, approved 37 new crude evacuation routes, and closed systemic loopholes that previously enabled theft and leakages.
The administration’s dual approach of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies has not only curbed theft but also restored investor confidence, boosted revenue, and improved Nigeria’s capacity to meet OPEC quotas. By prioritising the protection of Nigeria’s most vital economic resource, President Tinubu has reinforced his Renewed Hope Agenda and set a new standard for accountability and efficiency in the oil sector.