Chevron Nigeria says it has gone an entire year without any recorded incident of oil theft or pipeline sabotage, a development the company describes as its most stable period in recent years.

Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria and the Mid-Africa Business Unit, revealed the milestone during a visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission headquarters in Abuja. He noted that none of Chevron’s assets had suffered vandalism in 2025, adding that the achievement reflects ongoing improvements in security across the oil-producing region.

Improved Surveillance Boosts Oil Production

Chevron is a key member of the Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The group represents about 31 major operators responsible for roughly 85 percent of Nigeria’s crude production. Industry officials say the sector’s stability this year has not occurred by chance.

According to reports from regulatory and industry sources, the improved outcome is closely linked to intensified pipeline surveillance led by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security outfit owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo. The company’s monitoring model, which blends technology with local intelligence networks, has been credited with tightening control over previously vulnerable pipeline corridors.

Analysts say the stronger security presence has helped rebuild confidence among operators and contributed to rising national output. According to internal production figures reviewed by journalists, Nigeria’s crude production has climbed to about 1.8 million barrels per day, compared to levels around 600,000 barrels per day recorded in earlier years when vandalism was widespread.

Government Eyes Higher Output in 2026

The federal government is now targeting 2.06 million barrels per day in its 2026 fiscal projections. The figure was included in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework released last week by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Energy economist Victor Okoro tells The Punch that the current momentum places Nigeria in a stronger position to meet its revenue assumptions. However, he warned that maintaining the gains will require sustained investment in technology-driven surveillance and community engagement.

“Security success stories are encouraging, but complacency is risky,” Okoro said. “Oil theft rings evolve quickly, so consistency is crucial.”

Regulators Praise Security Gains

NUPRC Chief Executive Officer Gbenga Komolafe welcomed Chevron’s report, linking the positive trend to reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to him, the commission has implemented stricter monitoring systems and renewed coordination with security agencies to safeguard critical energy infrastructure.

He added that the stability observed this year has also improved government earnings from crude exports, helping ease revenue pressure at the federal level.

Meanwhile, community leaders in the Niger Delta say the role of private security companies has extended beyond protecting pipelines. According to local development groups, firms like Tantita have created jobs for young people, reducing some of the frustrations that previously fueled unrest in the region.

A Stable Year, But Challenges Remain

Despite the upbeat reports, experts note that Nigeria’s oil sector still faces structural challenges, including ageing infrastructure, production costs, and regulatory uncertainties. Energy analysts argue that long-term progress will depend on sustained reforms and transparent engagement with host communities.

For now, Chevron’s one-year streak without theft offers rare good news for an industry long troubled by sabotage.