Everyone is Involved in Crude Oil Theft’: NNPCL MD, Mele Kyari, Reveals Shocking Infraction Figures

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has shed light on the alarming issue of crude oil theft in Nigeria.

During an oversight function conducted by the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja, Kyari revealed that the company had documented 9000 pipeline infractions within a single year.

Kyari expressed uncertainty about the actual number of illegal connections and emphasized that crude oil theft is an end-to-end issue in Nigeria, with everyone seemingly involved.

He also highlighted that security is a primary concern and explained the steps taken by the NNPCL to address the problem of pipeline vandalism, including uniting all security agencies under one platform.

Despite the company’s efforts, Nigeria’s oil production has been significantly impacted.

In 2022, production dropped to as low as 1.1 million barrels per day, with some days even falling below a million barrels. The NNPCL is working to address these issues, but the problem persists.

The Chairman of the Special Committee, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, emphasized the challenges faced in operating oil and gas pipelines in Nigeria, with frequent infractions and damages occurring on a weekly basis.

He also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in regulatory activities at Nigeria’s crude oil export terminals, citing instances of hasty approvals granted to vessels involved in crude theft to cover official complicity.

The issue of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria is a significant problem, with much of the activity occurring in the Niger Delta region.

The NNPCL and government officials are working to address the issue, but the scale of the problem remains a major concern.

It is crucial for the country to find a solution to this issue, as it impacts not only the economy but also the environment and the livelihoods of those living in the affected areas.