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Oil Theft Drops by 95% as Nigeria Tightens Security Measures

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1 month ago

Feb 17, 2025.

Oil Theft Drops by 95% as Nigeria Tightens Security Measures
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) credited this progress to increased security,
The crackdown on illegal bunkering has also improved security

Nigeria has significantly reduced oil theft, bringing it down to just 5,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2024 from a peak of 108,000 bpd in early 2022.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) credited this progress to increased security, stricter regulations, and improved surveillance.

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The government’s strategy includes deploying more military forces, awarding pipeline protection contracts to local security firms, and implementing advanced monitoring systems.

These measures have helped stabilize oil production, which now averages 1.75 million barrels per day, with a goal to increase output by another 1 million bpd by 2026.

This reduction in oil theft is a major boost for Nigeria’s economy, as it strengthens revenue generation and supports the 2025 budget, which is based on producing 2.06 million barrels per day at an oil price of $75 per barrel.

The crackdown on illegal bunkering has also improved security in the Niger Delta, where oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long been a challenge.

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With Nigeria positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s energy sector, the government continues to attract global investors by ensuring regulatory certainty, transparency, and sustainable development in the oil and gas industry.

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