The Federal Government has announced plans to
collaborate with the Nigerian Navy to achieve its target of 3 million barrels
per day (bpd) in crude oil production by 2025.
Nigeria’s current output stands at approximately 1.8
million bpd, a significant increase from the 1.4 million bpd recorded in 2023.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil),
Heineken Lokpobiri, made this known during the launch of the second phase of
Operation Delta Sanity II (OPDS II) in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Lokpobiri noted that the initial phase of OPDS,
launched on Jan. 10, had contributed to the improved production figures,
prompting the Nigerian Navy to proceed with the second phase.
“In August 2023, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production
was barely a million bpd. Currently, the nation produces about 1.8 million bpd.
“Our target is to reach 3 million bpd by 2025, and we
are confident that the second phase of OPDS will play a key role in achieving
this milestone,” Lokpobiri said.
He emphasised the pivotal role of the Nigerian Navy in
ensuring security, stating that it would continue to collaborate with other
security agencies to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Despite these efforts, Lokpobiri, expressed concern
about the persistent sabotage of the Trans Niger Pipeline.
“The Trans Niger Pipeline remains a major challenge,
with criminals breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil.
“However, the Nigerian Navy has pledged to intensify
its efforts to protect these national assets, building on its successes in
2024,” he remarked.
The minister underscored the broader implications of
curbing oil theft, highlighting the potential for increased government revenue
and enhanced allocations to states and local governments.
He called on security agencies, maritime contractors,
traditional rulers, and local youths to support the navy’s efforts.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla,
expressed optimism about the feasibility of reaching the 3 million bpd
production target.
He stated that Operation Delta Sanity was specifically
designed to address oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes,
ensuring a secure environment for legitimate operations.
“The initial phase of the OPDS led to numerous arrests
of vessels and oil thieves, as well as the dismantling of several illegal
refining sites across the Niger Delta.
“These measures resulted in significant improvements
in legitimate maritime activities and boosted crude oil production, with
several oil companies reporting 100 per cent terminal factor,” Ogalla stated.
In spite of these successes, Ogalla explained that the
navy saw the need to refine the operation to achieve even better outcomes.
“Rejigging the operation involves deploying newly
acquired maritime domain awareness infrastructure, attack helicopters, armed
drones, and enhanced intelligence-gathering systems.
“We are also incorporating non-kinetic approaches and
strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to sustain and increase
crude oil production beyond 2 million bpd, as directed by President Bola
Tinubu,” he added.
Ogalla expressed confidence that OPDS II would further
stabilise oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta by 2025.
Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer
Commanding Eastern Naval Command, provided details of the accomplishments
during the first phase of OPDS.
He reported the arrest of 215 suspects, the
destruction of 468 illegal refineries, and the seizure of about 6.5 million
litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of adulterated diesel.
“In addition, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and
279 storage tanks were deactivated, while 26 vessels were apprehended, among
others,” Akinwande concluded. (NAN)
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