The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it is now close to attaining full crude oil production capacity, following strengthened collaboration with security and intelligence agencies.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.
Ojulari explained that the turnaround in oil production was the result of deliberate and sustained partnership between the oil and gas industry and Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.
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“Not too long ago, our crude oil receipts through pipelines and terminals had dropped dangerously low, sometimes to as little as 20 to 30 per cent. That was a period when pipeline vandalism, crude theft, illegal refineries and sabotage became rampant,” he said.
“Today, I can proudly report that our production and receipts are now attaining close to 100 per cent, thanks to the professionalism, discipline and collaborative spirit of our security and intelligence agencies, particularly in stabilising the Niger Delta.”
He noted that the company had witnessed first-hand the impact of military operations, intelligence-driven interventions and joint patrols in securing critical energy infrastructure.
“These successes would not have been possible without the immense and intentional efforts of our government, the armed forces and our intelligence community. Their sacrifices have created the enabling environment for oil and gas operations to thrive once again,” he added.
Ojulari further stressed that threats to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure are not confined to local actors, pointing out that oil theft often involves sophisticated international syndicates that exploit weaknesses in regional and continental security systems.
He called for greater regional and continental cooperation, insisting that energy security must be treated as a shared strategic priority.
“It is imperative that forums such as this summit are encouraged, to strengthen strategic, tactical and operational collaboration within the continent. Together, we can safeguard Africa’s resources, reinforce peace and create an enabling environment for prosperity for our people,” Ojulari said.
He reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to supporting the military and intelligence agencies, noting that the Nigerian oil and gas sector would continue to complement continental defence initiatives.
“At NNPC Limited, we hold this partnership in the highest regard. We stand ready to complement and cooperate with defence and security institutions, not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for Africa’s collective growth and stability,” he said.
The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration”, recorded attendance from 36 countries.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, while the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, delivered the keynote address. Leaders of the African Union, ECOWAS, ministers, lawmakers, as well as former and serving defence and service chiefs, were also present.
