During a meeting in Abuja with maritime stakeholders, the Group Managing Director of Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, announced that the country’s crude oil production is expected to increase from 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels daily by the end of the year. The meeting was organised by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff. Mr. Folorunsho Karim, the Managing Director of Pipeline NNPCL and representing the NNPCL, expressed his appreciation for the strong backing from the Nigerian Navy in combating crude oil theft.
He expressed gratitude to the Navy for its instrumental role in achieving production goals and noted that their efforts reduced pipeline vandalism and oil theft. Karim expressed confidence in reaching the goal of increasing production from 1.6 million to 2 million barrels by the end of the year, attributing the progress to the strong backing of the Nigerian Navy. He reassured all involved parties that the ambitious target of 2 million barrels per day would indeed be met through ongoing teamwork.
Ogalla urges new security strategies for maritime and energy sectors.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla spoke to stakeholders about the importance of bringing together industry regulators, maritime law enforcement, and industry players to address the complex Security challenges in the maritime and energy sectors. He focuses on the various security threats that have been experienced, such as violent protests, petroleum theft, pipeline damage, piracy, and robberies at sea, which have been worsened by the abundance of small weapons, community conflicts, poverty, and joblessness in the country.
Furthermore, Ogalla recognised that the usual security methods are no longer effective, leading to the need for fresh solutions to tackle the security issues arising from the Petroleum Industry Act. He emphasised the federal government’s dedication to promoting the Blue Economy and improving business conditions in the maritime, petrol, and gas industries as a way to fight poverty. He emphasised that the Nigerian Navy has effectively protected maritime security by utilising surveillance, response tactics, law enforcement, and working with various stakeholders.
Navy’s OP Delta Sanity targets oil theft and boosts business security.
Moreover, he specifically mentioned the Navy’s restructuring efforts, such as the creation of OP Delta Sanity in January. This operation resulted in the apprehension of 35 vessels engaged in raw material theft, which were then handed over to the appropriate legal authorities for prosecution. He emphasised the Navy’s commitment to fulfilling its legal responsibilities of maintaining a safe maritime atmosphere that promotes the country’s economic well-being. He highlighted that Navy activities are intended to assist rather than affect industry professionals, ultimately improving their effectiveness.
Additionally, he emphasised the critical role of security in facilitating business activities, highlighting the need to encourage legitimate enterprises by boosting their confidence and operational freedom. Ensuring that arrests and detentions are swiftly addressed is paramount to preventing negative impacts on legitimate businesses. The Navy’s commitment to conducting swift and thorough investigations ensures that any unjust arrests are promptly rectified. This approach creates a more supportive environment for businesses, promoting trust and enabling them to operate without undue interference, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more robust economic landscape.
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However, the ongoing collective support from the Nigerian Navy and other maritime stakeholders is expected to reinforce the national economy. The country can maximise its crude oil production by stopping Oil Theft and pipeline vandalism, leading to increased Revenue and enhanced foreign exchange earnings. This collaborative effort secures vital oil Infrastructure and attracts more investments into the nation’s petroleum and gas sector. As security improves, businesses can operate with greater confidence, encouraging a more stable and prosperous economic environment that benefits all businesses in the country.