NNPCL: Everyone Engaged in Oil Theft

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, addressed the pervasive issue of crude oil theft in Nigeria during a session with the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft. Kyari revealed staggering statistics, citing 9000 infractions on NNPCL pipelines within a year and the deactivation of 6,465 illegal refineries since 2022. Additionally, he highlighted the removal of 4,876 illegal pipeline connections out of 5,570 discovered, emphasizing the relentless nature of the problem.

Kyari expressed the magnitude of the challenge, stating that crude oil theft appears to be a widespread issue involving various stakeholders. Despite concerted efforts, the persistence of illegal activities within close proximity to settlements and governmental centers poses a significant obstacle to ensuring uninterrupted oil production. Kyari underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive security approach, noting the incorporation of multiple security agencies and private security into a unified platform to combat pipeline vandalism.

Chairman of the Special Committee, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, echoed Kyari’s concerns, emphasizing the daunting task of safeguarding oil and gas pipelines in Nigeria. Ado-Doguwa highlighted the frequency of infractions not only on pipelines but also at oil well heads, flow stations, and export terminals. He raised alarms over regulatory opacity at crude oil export terminals, citing instances of expedited approvals for vessels involved in theft and undeclared liftings, contributing to the extensive scale of crude oil theft within the Niger Delta region and offshore marine environments.