The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced that collaborative efforts, including a directive from President Bola Tinubu to all stakeholders and the military, have resulted in a significant increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production. Currently, the country is producing over 1.6 million barrels per day, and if this collaboration continues, Nigeria can achieve production levels of 2 million to 3 million barrels per day. The NNPC Ltd is actively working towards this goal and is committed to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
During a stakeholders engagement session with journalists covering the National Assembly in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, made this announcement. He revealed that in the last six months, more than 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed.
President Tinubu’s directive, along with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and the military, has played a crucial role in increasing the country’s oil production to over 1.6 million barrels.
Furthermore, the NNPC declared a state of emergency on crude theft, and the establishment of the war room by the GCEO Mele Kyari has significantly reduced such incidents. The NNPC acknowledges the efforts of private and military security agencies and believes that with the continued collaboration, Nigeria can achieve production levels of 2 to 3 million barrels per day.
Prior to these collaborative efforts, Nigeria experienced a decrease in oil production to 900,000 barrels per day due to unwholesome activities on oil installations. However, with the involvement of private security agencies and renewed efforts by the military, the situation has significantly improved. The NNPC Ltd spokesperson expressed relief, stating that the intensity of the war against oil theft has allayed their fears.
