In a significant development, a delegation led by President Bola Tinubu has undertaken an assessment of the oil theft situation in the Niger Delta. The delegation’s efforts culminated in the discovery of an illegal oil connection at Owaza in Abia State. The subsequent revelation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. has shed light on the staggering losses incurred by Nigeria due to this illicit activity.
According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., the country is losing an average of 7.2 million dollars each month as a result of the illegal connection discovered in Owaza. This stark revelation underscores the gravity of the issue at hand. The delegation’s findings highlighted the presence of clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations, and the concerning environmental devastation caused by these illicit activities. These combined factors have translated into severe economic losses for the nation.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Malam Muhammed Badaru, comprises esteemed members including service chiefs and ministers directly involved in the petroleum industry. Among them are Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Ekperipe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari.
The delegation’s inspection encompassed the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia. This site revealed a network of dismantled illegal connections, further emphasizing the extent of the issue. During the visit, Malam Badaru stressed the importance of a peaceful Niger-Delta region and urged an end to crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
Kyari, speaking during the visit, noted that while oil theft in vessels can be tracked, the involvement of oil-bearing communities is pivotal in curbing oil theft within their vicinity. He pointed out that oil theft has contributed to Nigeria’s inability to meet its OPEC daily production quota, affecting the nation’s standing in the global oil market.
The fight against oil theft and economic sabotage received recognition from various quarters. Patrick Godwin, Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., confirmed arrests and the arraignment of culprits, signaling progress in combating these illegal activities. Ribadu commended security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for their concerted efforts in addressing this pressing issue.
Ribadu’s comments underlined the multifaceted impact of oil theft, including environmental destruction and financial losses. The revenue drain affects the nation’s economic stability and the strength of the Nigerian currency. As Nigeria grapples with the consequences of oil theft, the call for collective action to curb this menace rings louder than ever.
