Nigeria has been struggling with decreasing crude oil production, primarily due to oil theft in states like those in the Niger Delta.
The Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and international oil companies (IOCs) to ramp up their production to hit the federal government’s target of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd).
Major Kayode Owolabi, the Coordinator of the OPDS Joint Media Campaign Centre, made this announcement on Sunday while discussing crude oil production and security in the Niger Delta.
Owolabi explained that this push follows a directive issued on July 17, 2024, by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, aimed at curbing crude oil theft. Rear Admiral John Okeke, the OPDS Commander, has since put several crucial measures into action. These actions have helped secure major pipelines such as the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Trans Escravos Pipeline (TEP), and Trans Ramos Pipeline (TRP), allowing them to achieve full flow, with daily crude oil output now reaching around 1.7 million barrels per day. Although Owolabi noted that IOCs are operating at full capacity, he acknowledged occasional incidents of vandalism.
In light of these challenges, Okeke called on both local and international oil companies to maximize their production efforts and make full use of pipeline capacities. He emphasized that if pipelines are already at full capacity, the NNPCL must assess the nation’s ability to meet the 2.2 million bpd target, with a long-term focus on increasing production capacity.
During a security meeting on July 17 with military commanders and other security agency heads, General Christopher Musa gave a two-week deadline to improve security in the Niger Delta Region to enhance crude oil production.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address, where he highlighted the revival of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry thanks to economic reforms announced in May 2024. President Tinubu stated, “Last month, we increased our oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, and our gas assets are receiving the attention they deserve.”
Nigeria’s crude oil production has been decreasing due to significant oil theft in oil-producing states, particularly in the Niger Delta. The government and oil companies are now working hard to reverse this trend and meet production goals.
