The Nigerian government has introduced 37 new crude oil evacuation routes across the country in a bid to enhance output and crack down on theft, while the number of operational oil rigs has soared to 44, according to the nation’s upstream regulator.
Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, announced the developments on Wednesday during the 24th edition of the NOG Energy Week in Abuja. He stated the measures are part of sweeping reforms designed to stabilise the sector and achieve the national goal of producing one million barrels per day (1MMBPD).
Delivering a keynote address titled “Positioning Nigeria’s Upstream Oil & Gas for Energy Security, Sustainability, and Economic Resilience”, Komolafe confirmed that the newly approved evacuation routes are now operational, thanks to joint efforts with security agencies. He said the initiative is helping to improve security, reduce losses, and boost transparency in the transportation of crude.
“The impact is already evident, Nigeria’s production has climbed from 1.46 million barrels per day to 1.7 million bpd. Our target is to reach 2.5 million bpd by 2026, and we’re well on our way. As you can see, the rig count has been growing linearly.
“After COVID-19, we moved from a regime where we had a rig count as low as 8 rigs in the Nigeria upstream. As of today, the rig count has increased to 44 rigs. Again, that is a huge achievement for us as a nation.”
Komolafe added that the reforms underway are being driven by the Petroleum Industry Act and recent executive orders signed by President Bola Tinubu, which have attracted over $16 billion in investments within two years. He cited Executive Orders #40 on fiscal incentives, #41 on local content, and #42 on cost efficiency as game-changers.
He emphasised that bolstering domestic crude supply and safeguarding infrastructure remain top priorities. The Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) initiative is now ensuring that Nigerian refineries receive consistent feedstock, helping to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
In tandem with physical reforms, the Commission is undertaking a digital overhaul to streamline regulatory procedures and enhance investor confidence. Platforms have been updated to improve efficiency and transparency.
The NUPRC head also shared updates on social and environmental efforts. The digital HostComply platform is actively monitoring obligations to host communities, delivering measurable benefits and helping to foster peace and trust.
On climate policy, Komolafe reaffirmed Nigeria’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. He issued a stern warning to oil producers flouting the gas flare reduction initiative, saying non-compliant companies were already facing sanctions. By next year’s conference, he pledged to present operational flare capture projects as evidence of Nigeria’s environmental progress.
In closing, Komolafe urged global investors to engage with Nigeria’s reformed energy sector. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ramping up upstream development, expanding licensing rounds, fast-tracking exploration, and reactivating dormant oil assets.
