The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced 37 new crude oil evacuation routes in a bold move to combat oil theft and enhance production efficiency in the upstream sector. This was revealed by Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), during the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.
Komolafe emphasized that protecting oil infrastructure remains a top priority. Collaborating with security agencies, the commission aims to not only reduce theft but also improve transparency and accountability in the industry. He noted that these efforts are being complemented by the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation initiative, which ensures a steady supply of crude to local refineries, thereby reinforcing the domestic energy supply chain and boosting economic resilience.
Further advancements include the deployment of the HostComply platform, which is designed to foster peace and transparency in oil-producing communities by ensuring that tangible benefits are delivered to local stakeholders. On the regulatory front, digitization initiatives are accelerating oversight, streamlining processes, and making Nigeria’s oil and gas environment more attractive to investors.
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the energy sector has witnessed significant transformation, attracting over \$16 billion in investments within just two years. This growth is largely credited to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and a series of Executive Orders issued in 2024 that promote fiscal incentives, local content, and cost-efficient contract processes.
Komolafe pointed out that global demand for oil and gas remains high, with projections showing it will continue to supply over half of global energy needs through 2050. To meet this demand sustainably, an estimated \$640 billion in annual upstream investment is required until 2030.
The NUPRC’s “One Million Barrels Initiative” launched in 2024 is central to this effort. The goal is to raise daily production from 1.46 million to 2.5 million barrels by 2026. With output already at 1.7 million barrels per day, the strategy is evidently producing positive results.
Despite the reliance on oil and gas—which account for nearly 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 70% of national revenue—Komolafe reassured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to climate goals. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, stating that the NUPRC is actively implementing strategies to realize this objective.