A special delegation sent to the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu has unearthed a significant illegal oil connection, costing Nigeria a staggering $7.2 million each month. The discovery was made on Saturday during an oil theft assessment operation in Owaza, Abia.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. disclosed the shocking figures on Sunday, highlighting the dire economic impact of the clandestine operations. The team uncovered not only the illicit oil connection but also covert refineries and illegal bunkering activities, all of which contribute to environmental degradation and substantial financial losses for the nation.
The delegation, led by Minister of Defence Malam Muhammed Badaru, comprises high-ranking officials, including service chiefs and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri. Additional members include Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperipe Ekpo, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari.
The delegation visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where they witnessed a multitude of dismantled illegal connections. At the site, Malam Badaru emphasized the need for peace in the Niger Delta region and urged a halt to crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
Mr. Kyari, while acknowledging that theft from vessels could be tracked, stressed the importance of oil-bearing communities taking responsibility for preventing theft within their own areas. He also pointed out that oil theft was hindering Nigeria’s ability to meet its OPEC daily production quota.
Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., Patrick Godwin, noted that arrests had already been made and culprits arraigned in connection with the illegal activities.
Malam Ribadu praised the collaborative efforts of security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. in the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage. He emphasized the devastating impact on the environment and livelihoods, as well as the loss of revenue that could otherwise support the economy and strengthen the national currency.
