The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has asserted its vital role in bolstering Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting its significant contributions to the national electricity supply. The company operates a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, including the wholly-owned Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a critical source of electricity for the region. NNPCL also co-owns the Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2 power plants, contributing a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts to the national grid. These facilities are essential for powering homes, industries, and businesses nationwide, underscoring the company’s commitment to ensuring a stable electricity supply across the country. Recognizing the devastating potential consequences of vandalism on these vital assets, NNPCL has intensified its efforts to protect its infrastructure and ensure the continued flow of energy to the nation.
Concerned about the escalating threat of vandalism to its energy infrastructure, NNPCL has engaged Kannywood artists, influential figures in northern Nigeria’s entertainment industry, to champion a public awareness campaign. Recognizing their significant reach and influence, the company aims to leverage the artists’ platforms to disseminate messages emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding national energy assets. The campaign seeks to educate the public about the far-reaching consequences of vandalism, including power disruptions, economic losses, and threats to national security. NNPCL believes that by partnering with these prominent figures, they can effectively communicate the message that protecting energy infrastructure is essential for securing the nation’s future. The campaign underscores the interconnectedness between energy security and national development, emphasizing the shared responsibility in safeguarding these vital resources.
The NNPCL has reported alarming statistics regarding the pervasive issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, painting a stark picture of the challenges facing the nation’s energy sector. In a single week, the company discovered 12 new illegal pipeline connections, bringing the total to a staggering 7,015 as of February 10, 2025. This relentless assault on the nation’s oil infrastructure has significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil production capacity, which currently stands at 1.7 billion barrels per day. The stolen crude oil is often refined locally in illegal refineries, or smuggled out of the country, depriving Nigeria of valuable revenue and undermining its economic stability. The NNPCL’s ongoing efforts to combat this criminal activity have resulted in the arrest of 2,849 suspects and the recovery of 1,467 trucks laden with stolen crude. The company has also undertaken extensive repairs, restoring 3,100 vandalized pipelines in an attempt to mitigate the damage.
The NNPCL’s ongoing battle against oil theft underscores the magnitude of the challenge. As of February 10, 2025, the company identified a staggering 9,332 illegal refineries operating within the country, highlighting the widespread nature of this illicit activity. The sheer volume of illegal connections, coupled with the proliferation of illegal refineries, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a more comprehensive approach to tackling this deeply entrenched problem. The NNPCL acknowledges the detrimental impact of oil theft on the national economy, emphasizing the loss of revenue, environmental damage, and the threat to national security. The company is committed to working with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and security forces, to address this critical issue and ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
NNPCL attributes its recent successes in combating vandalism and oil theft to the strategic actions implemented by its management team, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. These efforts have yielded unprecedented results, significantly improving the security of national assets. The company acknowledges the crucial role of strong leadership and political will in achieving these advancements, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NNPCL also recognizes the invaluable contribution of the Chief of Defence Staff, the military, and various law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in curbing these illegal activities and protecting vital energy resources.
In essence, the NNPCL is striving to maintain a multi-pronged approach. It is actively involved in power generation to bolster the national grid while also investing in educational campaigns to curb pipeline vandalism and address the root causes of the problem. Simultaneously, the company is engaged in ongoing efforts to repair damaged infrastructure and apprehend those involved in these illicit activities. This comprehensive strategy aims to safeguard Nigeria’s energy future by protecting its valuable assets and ensuring the sustainable development of the sector. The NNPCL’s leadership emphasizes the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including government, security agencies, and the public, in safeguarding energy resources for the benefit of the nation.
