Oil Theft: Illegal Pipelines Linked to Places of Worship and Palaces, Says NNPCL
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised alarms on Saturday about rampant oil theft in Nigeria, revealing that illegal pipelines have been traced to places of worship, including mosques and churches, as well as traditional palaces.
During a Stakeholders Engagement Session with the National Assembly Press Corp in Abuja, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye emphasized the potential to boost crude oil production from the current 1.7 million barrels per day to three million barrels.
Soneye pointed out that the oil sector faces numerous challenges that need addressing for the nation’s economic stability. He highlighted a troubling incident where a vessel seized for oil theft was caught again within three months. He stressed that the low prosecution rates—less than two percent—are undermining efforts to combat the crime effectively.
He remarked, “There is a significant issue at hand. If we do not address these concerns, we face serious consequences.” He recounted the arrest of a large vessel with 23 crew members, which was subsequently re-captured earlier this year, raising questions about the efficacy of legal actions against oil thieves.
Soneye acknowledged the role of private security firms, clarifying that while military and law enforcement agencies are doing their jobs, additional support has been necessary. He noted that at one point, production dipped below 900,000 barrels per day, prompting the NNPC to collaborate with community leaders and private security, which helped increase production to approximately 1.5 million barrels.
Currently, production stands between 1.6 and 1.7 million barrels, thanks in part to the ongoing partnership with military forces and private security. Soneye also urged for exemplary conduct in addressing the situation, as evidence suggests that some illegal pipelines extend into sacred spaces.
Additionally, Murtala Muhammad, Deputy Manager of the Command and Control Centre at NNPCL, reported the destruction of over 8,000 illegal refineries in the past six months and the dismantling of 5,800 illegal pipeline connections during the same timeframe. He noted that oil theft and pipeline vandalism remain significant threats to crude production, particularly in regions such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia.
