FG Uncovers Illicit Crude Oil Connection Draining $7.2 Million from Nigeria Monthly

A delegation appointed by President Bola Tinubu to assess the situation of oil theft in the Niger Delta region has uncovered an illicit oil connection.
The discovery, made at Owaza in Abia, has revealed that Nigeria experiences an average monthly loss of $7.2 million due to this illegal activity, as reported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.
The company has also highlighted that the covert refineries, unauthorised bunkering operations, and environmental devastation witnessed by the delegation collectively contribute to significant economic losses for the country.
The delegation, headed by Minister of Defence Malam Muhammed Badaru, consists of various key figures including service chiefs and the 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 team’s composition further includes Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, commander of “Operation Delta Safe,” as well as security agency operatives and CEOs from regulatory bodies within the oil and gas sector.
During their inspection, the team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where they observed an array of dismantled illegal connections.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta. Cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage,’’ Malam Badaru advised at the site.
In his remarks, Kyari said while oil theft in vessels could be tracked, oil-bearing communities must play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities.
“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet her OPEC daily production quota,’’ he said.
Also speaking at the site, chief security officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., Patrick Godwin, said some arrests had been made and culprits arraigned.
In his comments, Ribadu applauded security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for stepping up the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.

Source; Allnews Nigeria

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