The country’s National Economic Council (NEC) has collaboratively crafted a comprehensive plan to eradicate the ongoing predicament of crude oil theft within the nation. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who serves as the Chairman of the Crude Oil Theft and Management Committee of the NEC, highlighted the devastating impact of oil theft on the country’s oil production. This detrimental activity has led to a significant decline in production levels, resulting in profound hardships for the nation and jeopardising the stability of its currency.
During the committee’s first meeting post-restructuring, he announced the significant development, which is the creation of a detailed work plan aimed at directly tackling the issue of theft in the sector. This plan, which they have termed a road map, outlines the specific actions they intend to take. At this stage of the process, their primary objective is to pinpoint the locations where leakages are happening and investigate the underlying factors responsible for these occurrences.
VP Shettima leads a committee to boost Nigerian oil production.
Furthermore, the main focus lies in reviving Nigeria’s oil production levels, aimed at surpassing the past standards or, at the very least, reverting back to the previous benchmark of two million barrels. The objective is to fulfill the anticipations of the national economic council without any letdowns. The hope persists that through their mindful discussions, they would have the ability to create a significant impact as their own meaningful contribution towards the progress of the nation.
Kashim Shettima, who is the Vice-President of the nation, took the initiative in 2023 to establish a committee due to rising apprehensions about the rampant crude oil theft, as mentioned by Uzodinma. Other governors at the meeting included Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Governor Bassey Out of Cross River State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, as well as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo were all present in the meeting.
Naval Chief launches Operation Delta Sanity Against Maritime Crimes.
To combat various criminal activities, including crude oil theft, in Nigeria’s maritime area, the Nigerian Navy also introduced Operations Delta Sanity. This operation, spearheaded by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, was inaugurated at the NPA Jetty in Delta’s Warri region. Operation Delta Sanity takes over from its predecessor, Operation Dakatar Da Barawo. The CNS emphasised that the operation came at an opportune moment, taking into account the Federal Government’s revitalised commitment to achieving long-term prosperity for the Blue Economy.
Expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its commendable efforts in maintaining security in the maritime sector, particularly in combating oil-related crimes, Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, lauded their significant progress. In accordance with their constitutional duty, the Navy has taken substantial measures to tackle oil theft and other illegal activities. Lokpobiri encouraged all units and divisions involved to passionately and genuinely strive towards achieving the operational goals set by Operation Delta Sanity.
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In related news, Ogalla expressed his belief that the timing of Operation Delta Sanity was important. He emphasised that Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, which had been gradually phased out, was initiated as an effort to combat the rampant issue of crude oil theft as well. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) offered its support in this endeavour. He further highlighted the significant danger posed by the continued occurrence of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, as they posed a substantial threat to both the nation’s economic development and overall prosperity.
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NEC: Website
