…Says there will be zero tolerance for crude Oil Theft
The Federal Government has stated that the threat of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country will not be tolerated.
This comes as President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that a high-powered delegation consisting of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the NNPC Group CEO, the NUPRC Chief Executive, and the NMDPRA Chief Executive travel to troops on the operational frontlines of the Collaboration on Security of Oil and Gas Assets.
The delegation’s visit to the Naval Base Warri, Nigeria Navy Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, and the 3rd Battalion Nigerian Army Effurun was primarily intended to commend the troops’ efforts over the past few months.
It will also serve to emphasize the importance of closer collaboration in the coming months to ensure zero tolerance for crude oil theft in Nigeria.
Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, praised the valiant troops for their efforts thus far.
He stated that while progress is being made, more effort is still required to achieve 100 percent completion.
The Minister also stated that beginning in 2023, there will be no tolerance for crude oil theft in Nigeria.4
In his remarks the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor acknowledged the support being provided under the industry security framework.
He expressed his happiness about the considerable progress recorded.
The Defence Chief further commended the troops for their gallant efforts as well as the private security contractors for not only playing a significant role in intelligence gathering but also in the physical surveillance and arrest of criminals.
The NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari highlighted that the collaboration has so far resulted in a wave of discoveries of illegal connections, dismantling illegal refineries, and disrupting the supply chain of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
Kyari further stated that a significant outcome of this sustained effort which is gaining acknowledgment from international and domestic players has been the re-opening of production and evacuation facilities that were hitherto forced out of operation.
In their separate remarks, the Chief Executives of NUPRC and NMDPRA, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe and Mr. Farouk Ahmed commended the collaborative effort and the progress being recorded.
They stated that the objectives of the industry-wide security collaboration are being met and investors’ confidence in the Nigerian oil and gas industry is gradually being restored
As part of the visit, the delegation also visited NNS Pathfinder where officials arrested some culprits, vessels, and wooden canoes used in perpetrating illegal activities.
The NNPC Executive Vice President of Upstream, Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, and the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti were also part of the delegation.
