Nigeria Lost 8 Million Barrels of Crude Oil to Theft in 2023 – NEITI

• NEITI reported that approximately 7.68 million barrels of crude oil were stolen or lost in 2023, marking a 79% decrease from 2022
• Dr. Orji urged civil society organizations to advocate for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sectors to combat oil theft

Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), revealed that around 7.68 million barrels of crude oil were stolen or lost in 2023.

Speaking at the Civil Society Roundtable on the EITI Framework in Abuja, Orji stated that this loss marks a 79% decrease compared to 2022.

During his keynote address titled “NEITI’s Mission and the Pivotal Role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance within Nigeria’s Extractive Sectors,” Orji urged CSOs to monitor government efforts to combat oil theft and advocate for stronger environmental protections.

The report also disclosed that outstanding revenues owed to the federal government amount to over $6.071 billion and ₦66.4 billion. Orji emphasized the need for CSOs to push for better revenue collection to ensure Nigeria’s oil resources benefit the country fully.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidies and deregulation in the petroleum sector, Orji called on CSOs to ensure transparency in the government’s transition plan and monitor that subsidy savings are used for developmental projects.

He also encouraged CSOs to advocate for stronger environmental protections in the Niger Delta, using NEITI’s data to demand corporate accountability.

On energy transition, Orji highlighted CSOs’ crucial role in pushing for a fair transition, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not disproportionately impacted.

Recognizing CSOs’ challenges, Orji suggested measures to protect them, such as investing in security training, building support networks, and collaborating with international partners.

Dr. Erisa Danladi Sarki, the Civil Society Representative on the National Stakeholders Working Group, underscored the importance of the roundtable, emphasizing civil society’s role in raising public awareness, advocating policy reforms, and fostering dialogue on issues within the extractive sector.