Defense Chief Orders Troops To Meet December Target For Boosting Oil Output to 2.2 Million Barrels Per Day

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has directed the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy to ramp up the nation’s crude oil production from the current 1.35 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.2 million bpd by December 2024.

This directive was given during the inauguration of the Defence Joint Monitoring Team at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. General Musa emphasized the importance of working closely with security agencies and key stakeholders to combat oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region. He highlighted that the task force’s primary goal is to secure Nigeria’s oil resources and optimize production levels.

“In recent weeks, we’ve been striving to enhance the security and production of crude oil in the producing areas. Today, we officially inaugurate the Defence Joint Monitoring Team, which has already been operational. Its purpose is to strengthen the coordination between security agencies and stakeholders,” General Musa stated.

He outlined the team’s responsibility to identify gaps in current practices and recommend improvements, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to securing oil production facilities.

The CDS also issued a stern warning to military personnel against colluding with saboteurs. He stressed that those found guilty of compromising national assets would face severe consequences.

“You are aware of the president’s mandate to safeguard the oil-producing areas and ensure maximum oil production. The target is 2.2 million barrels per day by December, and any sabotage will not be tolerated,” General Musa warned.

General Musa expressed his appreciation to local communities, the state government, and stakeholders for their support in improving security and encouraged them to continue collaborating in efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil resources.

The chairman of the monitoring team, Major General JAL Jimoh, assured the CDS of the team’s commitment to boosting daily oil production and surpassing the set target. He thanked General Musa for entrusting them with this critical task and pledged their full dedication.