Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, NNPC Limited, has announced a major breakthrough in its battle against crude oil theft, revealing that pipeline losses in the Niger Delta have been “nearly eradicated”. According to NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, this success comes after unprecedented collaboration between the military, intelligence agencies, and private security outfits deployed across key oil-producing regions.
Only three years ago, oil theft was so rampant that less than 30% of crude pumped from the Niger Delta actually made it to export terminals. Billions of dollars in revenue were lost annually, and the nation’s oil sector suffered crippling disruptions, putting pressure on government finances and foreign reserves. Today, Ojulari says pipeline and terminal receipts are now close to 100%, a turnaround he attributes to real-time monitoring technologies, increased surveillance, and aggressive on-ground enforcement.
Industry experts believe this progress could trigger a significant rebound in Nigeria’s oil output, with production projected to climb to over 2.5 million barrels per day by next year — levels last achieved in 2005. Such an increase would not only strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global oil market but also boost government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, and investor confidence in the energy sector.
Energy analysts also highlight that the successful clampdown on theft is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in tackling complex security and operational challenges. However, they warn that sustaining these gains will require ongoing vigilance, consistent funding for security measures, and stronger community engagement to discourage local involvement in illegal tapping.
For many Nigerians, this development offers hope for a more stable economy, as improved oil production could translate into increased government spending on infrastructure, education, and health. It also sends a clear message to organized criminal networks: the era of unchecked oil theft in the Niger Delta may finally be coming to an end.