The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has strengthened collaboration with the Joint Security Task Force and other stakeholders to tackle oil theft and illegal refineries in Nigeria.
The NNPC said the combined efforts of the government security and regulatory agencies, the host community and oil companies represent a different approach toward curbing oil theft and illegal bunkering.
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, disclosed this during an assessment tour of some illegal refineries in Rivers State on Wednesday, along with some top government officials.
Officials of the NNPC, regulatory agencies, joint task force comprising personnel of security agencies were part of the assessment tour.
On the inspection included the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, and some oil company officials.
Several illegal sites at creeks and swampy areas were assessed from aerial view, while a site located at Ibaa community in Eme Oha Local Government Area of Rivers State was thoroughly assessed by the officials.
Kyari, while expressing optimism on its zeal to put an end to the problem, underscored the need to intensify security on ground and modern technology to tackle the menace.
The NNPC boss said that pipeline vandalism, oil theft and illegal refining activities are threatening the growth of the country’s oil and gas industry.
He said the Nigerian Navy is also doing enormous work, and has made several arrests and equally preventing illegal movement of oil through the vessels.
Komolafe described the situation as a natural disaster, adding that there are clear regulations guiding people who genuinely want to do upstream business in Nigeriay.
“This is absolute criminality, on the part of government, if any Nigerian wants to participate in upstream activity, they can contact the regulatory body for guidance,” Komolafe said.
– NAN