The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian
National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, says Nigeria’s
crude oil pipelines and terminals are now recording nearly full delivery
capacity following intensified security interventions.
Ojulari made this disclosure on Monday at the opening
of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja.
“Today, I can proudly report that our pipelines and
terminals’ receipt of crude oil, which once fell as low as 20% to 30%, is now
approaching 100% due to the support of security forces and intelligence
agencies,” he said.
The NNPCL boss credited the turnaround to enhanced
surveillance and the clampdown on oil theft but stressed that crude theft
remains a continental and global challenge. According to him, international
syndicates exploit security gaps across Africa to perpetrate illegal activities
in the oil sector.
Progress in the Niger Delta
Ojulari declared that crude theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria’s Niger
Delta region have “become stories of the past” thanks to the deliberate efforts
of security agencies.
“Security forms a key pillar of the energy business
and plays a vital role in achieving national, regional and continental energy
security goals,” he noted. “The devastating impact of crude theft, low pipeline
availability and frequent attacks are now behind us, made possible by
coordinated government action, especially in the Niger Delta.”
He expressed optimism that the continental security
forum would strengthen collaborative military strategies across Africa.
Defence Chiefs Urged to Embrace AI
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher
Musa, called on African military leaders to invest in artificial intelligence
(AI) as part of efforts to defeat terrorism.
“The challenges before us are great, but so too is our
resolve,” Musa said. “Let us rise above division and embrace unity. Let us
build a continent where our people can live free and fair, and where our Armed
Forces stand as symbols of stability, professionalism, and pride.”
He emphasized that lasting security can only be achieved through shared intelligence, joint training, and coordinated actions among African nations.
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