NNPCL Chief Ties Crude Oil Theft to Global Criminal Networks

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja on Monday, Ojulari emphasized that the issue transcends local boundaries, requiring a collaborative, continent-wide response to address it effectively.

“Crude theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means a purely localized occurrence; rather, these operations involve specialized international syndicates that take advantage of gaps within state, national, and continental security architectures to conduct illegal activities,” Ojulari stated, addressing an audience of defense chiefs from across Africa. 

He highlighted the need for synergy among military formations to combat the menace, noting that the theft has significant implications for energy security and economic stability across the continent. 

Ojulari pointed to progress made in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where intensified efforts by security agencies have significantly reduced crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. 

“The dilapidating impact of crude theft, low pipeline availability, and attacks are issues that have become stories of the past for us,” he said, crediting the collaboration between NNPCL and security forces. 

He reported that Nigeria’s pipelines and terminals are now operating at near 100% capacity, a stark improvement from previous years when they functioned at 20-30% due to vandalism and theft. 

The NNPCL boss buttressed on the economic toll of crude oil theft, which has historically cost Nigeria billions of dollars. In 2022 alone, an estimated $23 million was lost daily, with $1.43 billion lost in March 2023, according to Senate estimates. 

Ojulari’s remarks align with ongoing efforts to bolster security around Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, including partnerships with private security firms like Tantita Security Services, which have intercepted vessels carrying stolen crude. 

However, challenges persist. Ojulari acknowledged that while Nigeria has made strides, the broader African continent continues to grapple with crude theft driven by international networks. 

He called for strategic forums like the Abuja conference to foster deeper cooperation among African nations to enhance regional security structures and protect vital energy resources. 

The conference, attended by dignitaries including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted the urgency of addressing energy security as a cornerstone of economic development. 

Ojulari reiterated NNPCL’s commitment to working with stakeholders to curb crude theft and ensure Nigeria meets its oil production targets, which have recently risen to 1.8 million barrels per day, according to OPEC data.