By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that Nigeria could potentially raise its daily crude oil production from the current 1.7 million barrels to 3 million barrels.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this at a Stakeholders Engagement Session with journalists covering the National Assembly in Abuja on Saturday.
According to Soneye, with the right cooperation from all involved parties, the goal of producing 3 million barrels daily is achievable.
“This includes collaboration between security agencies, both government and private, oil companies, and host communities,” he emphasized.
Soneye noted that there is already political support to meet this target, citing President Bola Tinubu’s clear instructions to security agencies to tackle oil theft and pipeline vandalism, issues that have plagued the industry, and with these efforts, production has increased from 1.4 million barrels to 1.7 million barrels per day.
He stressed the importance of security in achieving this ambitious goal, highlighting that oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long hampered Nigeria’s oil production capacity.
“With expected synergy from all the relevant stakeholders on the war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, an enabling environment would be created to reach optimal production levels of 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day,” Soneye added.
The CCCO reflected on a past period when oil production dropped to as low as 900,000 barrels per day due to widespread oil theft and vandalism, a situation he described as “troubling.” However, improved security measures, including the involvement of private security firms and increased military efforts, have helped address these issues. “The intensity of the war against oil theft has eased our fears,” Soneye said.
But despite this progress, oil theft remains a significant problem as the Deputy Manager of NNPC’s Command and Control Centre, Murtala Muhammad, presented data showing that in the last six months, over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal pipeline connections have been detected and destroyed. These illegal activities have drained Nigeria’s economy of essential revenue.
Muhammad identified Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia as states where oil theft is most rampant, he explained that criminal groups have taken advantage of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, but efforts to dismantle illegal refineries and stop pipeline vandalism are ongoing.
The session also included a presentation by Professor Taiye Obateru, who urged journalists to balance reporting with nation-building.
In his paper, titled “Balancing Reporting and Nation Building: The Role of National Assembly Press Corps,” he stressed the need for fairness and a focus on national interests when reporting on sensitive issues like oil production and security.
The forum’s speakers agreed that while achieving the 3 million barrels per day target is challenging, it is possible. With strong political backing, stakeholder cooperation, and ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, Nigeria can significantly boost its oil production. The recent rise in daily output from 1.4 million to 1.7 million barrels shows progress, but more work is needed.
As Soneye and others noted, the fight against oil theft remains a top priority, while the destruction of illegal refineries and pipelines is a step forward, constant vigilance is essential to prevent future losses.
With the right security measures and commitment from all involved, Nigeria’s oil industry has the potential to thrive and bring significant economic benefits to the country and its citizens.