|By Adejumo Adekunle
Group says move will curb oil theft, restore investor confidence
Reforms aim to revive abandoned fields, boost daily output to 2.5 million barrels
The Centre for Energy Governance and Accountability (CEGA) has thrown its weight behind the federal government’s recent approval of 37 new crude oil evacuation routes, describing the move as a bold strategy to tackle oil theft, increase transparency, and boost Nigeria’s oil production.
The announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, during the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.
Komolafe said the approval of the routes is part of wider reforms to reposition Nigeria’s upstream oil sector for global competitiveness. He also revealed ongoing collaboration with the military to secure vital oil infrastructure and deter saboteurs.
In a statement issued Sunday, CEGA hailed the initiative as a decisive intervention to cut crude losses and enhance operational efficiency.
“This is more than a policy change; it’s a serious step toward stopping revenue loss and rebuilding investor confidence,” said Dr Kelvin Sotonye Williams, Executive Director of CEGA.
Williams pointed to significant gains made since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, noting that the sector has drawn over $16 billion in investment under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
He further highlighted the One Million Barrels Initiative, introduced in 2024, which aims to increase daily crude oil production from 1.7 million to 2.5 million barrels by 2026. According to him, the initiative has already begun to revive abandoned oil fields and fast-track project approvals.
CEGA stressed the strategic importance of investing in Nigeria’s oil production capacity, warning that neglect could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
“Nigeria’s oil reserves are a national asset. They must be properly managed, not left idle,” Williams stated.
The group also praised the NUPRC’s HostComply initiative—a digital platform designed to monitor oil companies’ compliance with their host community obligations under the PIA. Williams described the initiative as a practical tool for building lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
“Peace needs action, not words. HostComply makes it easier to track promises and results,” he said.
Additionally, CEGA lauded the commission’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, which aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
“The energy transition isn’t about abandoning oil—it’s about producing it more responsibly,” Williams added.
