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Crude Oil Losses in Nigeria Drop by 90% in Four Years, NUPRC Says
Nigeria has cut crude oil losses by 90% in the last four years, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said, marking a major step in tackling theft and vandalism that have long hurt the country’s oil production.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The announcement came Friday in Abuja, where NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe said that losses from oil theft and pipeline damage have dropped sharply since 2021. He credited new security measures, closer monitoring, and cooperation between the government and private operators.
“Crude theft and sabotage were threatening Nigeria’s economy and energy security,” Komolafe said. “We can now confirm that the level of losses has reduced by about 90%.”
A Persistent Challenge
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has struggled with oil theft for decades. Criminal groups tap pipelines in the Niger Delta, sometimes stealing hundreds of thousands of barrels daily. The stolen crude is sold illegally, while spills from damaged pipelines harm the environment and local communities.
In 2022, Nigeria’s oil output fell to some of its lowest levels in decades, partly due to theft and vandalism. The situation raised fears about the country’s ability to meet production targets and threatened government revenues, which depend heavily on oil exports.
Reforms and Security Efforts
The NUPRC said the government launched several initiatives to fight the problem. These include stricter pipeline monitoring, the use of technology to track crude volumes, and greater involvement of local communities in protecting oil infrastructure.
Military operations in the Niger Delta have also been stepped up. Officials say joint patrols by security forces have dismantled dozens of illegal refineries and arrested suspected oil thieves.
Komolafe said the results show that the efforts are paying off. “With the reduction in losses, production has stabilized, and revenues for the government are improving,” he said.
Industry Impact
The drop in crude losses could help Nigeria recover its standing in the global oil market. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Nigeria is a member, has repeatedly urged the country to raise production.
Analysts say the improvement could boost investor confidence at a time when Nigeria is trying to attract more foreign investment into its oil and gas sector.
Energy expert Bala Zaka told local media that the sharp drop in theft is “a very positive development” but warned that the government must stay alert. “Oil theft is a lucrative criminal business. If security and monitoring weaken, the problem could return,” he said.
Environmental Concerns
While the reduction in losses is good news for Nigeria’s economy, environmental activists say the damage from years of oil spills remains severe. Many Niger Delta communities live with polluted rivers and farmland, making fishing and farming difficult.
“The government should not only celebrate reduced theft but also focus on cleaning up the environment,” said activist Nnimmo Bassey. “People in oil-producing areas need justice, not just statistics.”
Looking Ahead
The NUPRC says it will continue to strengthen surveillance systems and work with oil companies to close gaps that criminals exploit. The commission is also pushing for the use of advanced metering systems to ensure accurate accounting of crude volumes.
Officials say their goal is to eliminate crude losses completely within the next few years.
For Nigeria, the progress marks an important step toward stabilizing its oil sector, restoring revenue, and improving its reputation as a reliable energy supplier. But experts caution that only consistent enforcement and community engagement will make the gains permanent.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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