FG discovers more illegal crude oil connections in Niger Delta
The Federal Government’s Oil Theft Situation Assessment Delegation to the Niger Delta Region has discovered more illegal oil connections costing the country millions of dollars.
According to the delegation, damage at one location in Owaza in Abia state is costing Nigeria a loss of 7.2 million dollars per month.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), in its twitter handle stated that the delegation made the discovery on Saturday during a tour of five states in the region.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched the high-powered delegation to the Niger Delta for stakeholder engagements and on-the spot assessment of the fight against crude oil theft.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Malam Muhammed Badaru comprised of Service Chiefs, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and that of Gas, Mr Ekperipe Ekpo.
Others include the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Malam Mele Kyari, Commander Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, security agencies and contractors, CEOs of regulatory agencies, among others.
This came barely 24 hours after the inspection of the Port Harcourt Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex to assess its start-up readiness by Lokpobiri and other top dignitaries led by Kyari.
According to the NNPC Ltd. twitter handle, the joint mission started at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, and proceeded to Rivers State Government House where it paid a courtesy call on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru was quoted as stating the objectives of the delegation and the charge by the President to stem crude oil theft in Nigeria.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger-Delta. Give peace a chance, cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” he said.
Kyari said while oil theft in vessels could be tracked, the Host Communities must also play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities.
The NNPC Ltd. said the Community Security Contractors were also on ground to brief the delegation on recent successes and challenges encountered.
According to the Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Patrick Godwin, arrests have been made and some culprits prosecuted.
The company said upon return to the Air Force base, the delegation embarked on an overflight of Owaza, Bille, Azuzuama, Ahoada, Rumuekepe Ebocha, Abacheke, Egbema, Ohaji, and Koko communities of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta States.
The company further said the team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia state where an array of dismantled illegal connections were observed.
Ribadu applauded the security forces, and community security contractors, and the NNPC Limited on their efforts in tracking and destroying illegal refineries.
Ribadu also lauded them for stepping up the fight against crude oil theft and economic sabotage by a few citizens criminals and bandits.
“Enough is enough, the environment is being destroyed, livelihoods are being destroyed and the federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the Naira,” the national security adviser said.
According to the NNPC Ltd., during the aerial assessment, the delegation gained first-hand insights into the progress of the war on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
They observed clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations, and the scale of environmental devastation, collectively translating into severe economic losses for the country.
The visit was also an opportunity for the delegation to show their presence in the communities and assess the gravity of the situation and the critical need to strengthen collaboration for comprehensive solutions.
