Following a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where the service chiefs resolved to crack down on oil theft and boost crude oil production, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa held a critical follow-up meeting with top security officials from the South-South geopolitical zone and other relevant stakeholders. This strategic gathering took place on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
The closed-door session, which lasted over five hours, included discussions between Gen. Musa and the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) various divisions within the South-South states of the Niger Delta. Commissioners of Police and heads of other security agencies also attended, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the comprehensive approach needed to tackle it.
In attendance were high-profile figures such as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari; and Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Their presence highlighted the collaboration between security forces and the petroleum sector to address the pressing challenges of oil theft and production inefficiencies.
The meeting was a direct outcome of the service chiefs’ commitment to fortify security around oil infrastructure and curb the rampant oil theft, with the ultimate goal of increasing Nigeria’s oil production, which was reported at 1.276 million barrels per day (bpd) in June. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, given the economic implications and the impact on national security.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Minister Lokpobiri and NNPC CEO Mele Kyari conveyed their confidence that oil production would see a significant rise within the set deadlines, thanks to the robust security measures being put in place. They assured Nigerians that the government’s plan would be effectively implemented to achieve these targets.
General Musa reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to enhance security in the Niger Delta, eliminate leakages, and improve oil production. He emphasized that the military, alongside other security agencies, would intensify efforts to safeguard oil facilities and ensure a secure environment conducive to increased production.
Farouk Ahmed of the NMDPRA also highlighted the critical role of enhanced security in boosting oil production. He addressed circulating rumours, clarifying that the Federal Government is not attempting to obstruct the operations of the Dangote Refinery. This clarification was crucial to dispel any misconceptions and maintain focus on the primary objective of improving the nation’s oil output.
The meeting’s outcomes signal a coordinated and determined effort to tackle oil theft and production challenges head-on. The collaboration between the military, police, and petroleum sector stakeholders is expected to yield tangible results in securing oil assets and enhancing production efficiency.
The importance of this initiative extends beyond immediate economic benefits. By stabilizing and increasing oil production, Nigeria can strengthen its fiscal position, reduce economic vulnerabilities, and ensure a more stable supply of energy resources. The commitment demonstrated by the various agencies involved reflects a unified approach to addressing one of the nation’s most critical economic challenges.
In conclusion, the extensive and strategic meeting led by Gen. Christopher Musa underscores the high stakes involved in securing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and boosting production. The combined efforts of security agencies and petroleum sector leaders are poised to bring about a significant improvement in the country’s oil output, aligning with President Tinubu’s broader economic and security objectives. The nation watches with anticipation as these plans are put into action, hopeful for a future with enhanced security and increased prosperity.
