The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle rampant crude oil theft, including the deployment of advanced technology for real-time monitoring of petroleum products.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe revealed the commission will implement a digital tracking system for all crude oil cargoes from production fields to export terminals. This initiative comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with massive losses from oil theft, estimated at over 200,000 barrels per day.
“The digital tracking system will provide minute-by-minute monitoring of crude oil movements across the entire value chain,” Komolafe explained. “This includes volume measurement at loading points, transit tracking, and discharge verification at export terminals.”
The new measures include:
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Installation of automated metering systems at all production facilities
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Integration with satellite monitoring technology
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Establishment of a centralized data command center
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Regular forensic audits of crude oil transactions
Industry analysts have welcomed the move, noting that Nigeria loses approximately $3 billion annually to oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) described the initiative as “long overdue but commendable.”
Komolafe stressed that the system would be fully operational within 90 days, with strict compliance required from all operators. The commission warned that defaulting companies would face severe sanctions, including possible revocation of operating licenses.
This development follows recent revelations that Nigeria failed to account for over 20 million barrels of crude oil in 2024, according to reports from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
The NUPRC chief assured that the new system would eliminate discrepancies in production figures and boost government revenue. “For the first time, we’ll have accurate, real-time data that cannot be manipulated,” he stated.
Security agencies including the Navy and Civil Defense Corps have pledged support for the initiative, promising enhanced surveillance of the nation’s territorial waters and pipelines.
