The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a goal to elevate the country’s crude oil production from the current rate of 1.7 million barrels per day to 3 million, a target deemed achievable through concerted efforts across various stakeholders. Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPCL, articulated this position during a Stakeholders Engagement Session with journalists covering the National Assembly. He underscored the essential political will behind this initiative, specifically citing President Bola Tinubu’s directives to security agencies to intensify actions against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, significant challenges that have historically hampered production efforts.
The past has seen a troubling decline in production levels, with the output dropping to as low as 900,000 barrels per day due to rampant oil theft and infrastructural concerns connected to pipeline security. Soneye emphasized that the current rise in production from 1.4 million to 1.7 million barrels per day can be directly linked to intensified government initiatives and reform efforts focused on improving the security situation around Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. He reiterated that reaching a production target of between 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day is not merely aspirational but practical, contingent upon the involvement and cooperation of key players, which include the government, private security firms, oil companies, and local communities.
As part of addressing the pervasive issue of crude oil theft, the Deputy Manager at the NNPC Command and Control Centre, Murtala Muhammad, presented detailed insights into the scale of the problem during the engagement session. His report indicated the detection and destruction of over 8,000 illegal refineries and more than 5,800 illicit pipeline connections within the last six months alone. This rampant illegal activity has been particularly concentrated in regions such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia, which have been flagged as hotspots for these criminal enterprises. Such staggering figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated actions involving military and private sector collaboration to dismantle these illegal operations and restore the integrity of the country’s oil-producing capabilities.
The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges that NNPCL encounters, stemming from both the illicit siphoning of oil resources and the broader economic implications that this theft imposes on the nation. The recent efforts to combat these issues have reportedly made significant strides, offering a glimmer of hope in a sector that has faced numerous crises over the years. Soneye pointed out that should these collaborative strategies continue to gain momentum, it could further alleviate concerns surrounding oil production, paving the way for a resurgence in Nigeria’s reputation as a significant player in the global oil market.
Additionally, the importance of transparent and responsible journalism in nation-building was addressed, with Professor Taiye Obateru presenting on the critical role of the National Assembly Press Corps in ensuring fair reporting. He called for a commitment to uphold national interests in all media endeavors, arguing that responsible journalism is vital for fostering public trust and accountability in governance. By promoting accurate reporting, journalists can contribute to a more informed citizenry and support collective national goals, particularly in regard to the oil sector and its impact on economic stability.
In conclusion, the NNPCL’s optimistic outlook on boosting crude oil production is rooted in a combination of political will, security enhancement measures, and collective stakeholder participation. The ongoing battle against oil theft and the aggressive dismantling of illegal oil operations represent a crucial foundation for establishing a secure and productive oil industry. The interplay of government support, community involvement, and responsible journalism will be pivotal in not only achieving production goals but also in ensuring that Nigeria can navigate its challenges and emerge resilient in the global oil landscape.
