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A team dispatched to the Niger Delta region for evaluating the extent of oil theft, directed by President Bola Tinubu, has exposed an illicit oil connection, revealing a grave situation in the area.
Unearthed at Owaza in Abia state, the covert linkage has been reported to cause Nigeria to hemorrhage an average of $7.2 million each month, as disclosed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd yesterday.
The company further detailed that the clandestine oil refineries, unlawful bunkering operations, and the associated environmental degradation witnessed by the delegation collectively amount to substantial economic setbacks for the nation….CONTINUE READING
The delegation, headed by Minister of Defence Malam Muhammed Badaru, comprises high-ranking service chiefs, along with Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr Ekperipe Ekpo. Also joining the team are National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. Malam Mele Kyari, Commander of “Operation Delta Safe” Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, security agency operatives, and CEOs of regulatory bodies in the oil and gas sector.
A visit was made to the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where multiple dismantled illegal connections were observed.
“We are fully committed to ensuring peace in the Niger Delta. Put an end to crude oil theft and actions undermining the economy,” urged Malam Badaru at the site.
Kyari also addressed the issue, noting that while oil theft via vessels can be monitored, oil-bearing communities must play an essential role in curbing oil theft within their localities.
“Oil theft significantly contributes to Nigeria’s inability to meet its OPEC daily production quota,” he emphasized.
Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., Mr Patrick Godwin, announced that arrests have been carried out and culprits have been prosecuted.
Ribadu, in his statements, lauded security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for intensifying the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.
“The environment and livelihoods are being ravaged, and the federation is being robbed of revenue that could uplift the economy and fortify the national currency,” he expressed. (NAN)
