The 2026 Nigeria Hydrocarbon Measurement Conference (NiHMEC), scheduled for October 4–8 at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, will prioritize addressing Nigeria’s $1 billion annual crude revenue losses linked to measurement gaps, as highlighted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Data from the regulator reveals that 40% of apparent crude oil losses stem from measurement inaccuracies and faulty metering infrastructure, rather than physical theft, with resolving these issues potentially recovering up to $1 billion annually for the nation’s treasury. Sunday Kanshio, managing partner of Fleissen Events and coordinator of the NiHMEC Technical Advisory Committee, emphasized that precise measurement is foundational to revenue protection and operational efficiency across the energy sector. “Accurate measurement of oil and gas is critical to maximizing production, ensuring proper accounting, and protecting government revenue,” Kanshio stated, adding that fiscal metering at export terminals serves as the baseline for calculating state royalties and taxes. Kanshio underscored that reliable measurement systems depend on two key factors: the sophistication of deployed technology and the technical expertise of personnel. He noted that upstream operations, where flow stations process commingled production from multiple fields, require precise field-level allocation to meet tax compliance standards. “Without measurement, the industry is essentially operating blind,” he said, stressing that accurate quantification is essential at every stage, from production to export. The conference aims to bring together industry operators, regulators, and technology providers to evaluate technical progress, address structural bottlenecks, and establish standardized measurement frameworks across the sector. The NUPRC’s findings highlight a systemic challenge in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector, where measurement discrepancies have long undermined revenue collection. While physical theft has historically dominated discussions around crude losses, the commission’s data shifts focus to the technical vulnerabilities in metering infrastructure. Kanshio warned that without improved calibration and oversight, the nation’s energy sector risks continued financial hemorrhage. The NiHMEC 2026 is expected to serve as a platform for stakeholders to review progress, identify emerging challenges, and develop solutions to enhance measurement accuracy and transparency. The conference’s agenda aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy governance, as the country seeks to mitigate losses that strain public finances. With the global energy market increasingly scrutinizing operational accountability, the push for standardized measurement practices could position Nigeria to attract investment and improve regulatory credibility. Industry experts anticipate that the outcomes of NiHMEC 2026 will inform policy reforms and technological upgrades critical to safeguarding national revenues and ensuring equitable resource management.
BusinessDay Nigeria, October 2026
Nyakundi Report Editorial Team
Nigeria, NiHMEC 2026, crude oil losses, hydrocarbon measurement, NUPRC, revenue recovery
The 2026 Nigeria Hydrocarbon Measurement Conference (NiHMEC) will address $1 billion in annual crude revenue losses caused by metering inaccuracies, as highlighted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The event, scheduled for October 4–8 in Lagos, will focus on improving measurement systems to enhance revenue protection and operational efficiency in the energy sector.