The Federal Government has restated its commitment to ramping up crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day, with renewed efforts to tackle oil theft and infrastructure sabotage across the country.
This assurance was given on Friday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting, organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), focused on reviewing the company’s operational success on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Represented by the Director of Energy at the NSA’s office, Amachree Young-Harry, Ribadu disclosed that decisive actions are being taken to safeguard critical oil assets and prosecute offenders undermining national interests.
“A dedicated committee comprising investigative and prosecutorial teams is working tirelessly to bring oil vandals to justice. Already, over 100 individuals have been prosecuted, with 15 recently remanded in Port Harcourt prison,” he revealed.
Ribadu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is firmly committed to achieving the 2.5 million barrels per day target and has directed all relevant stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards realizing that goal.
“The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal. Success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved,” he said.
On the operational front, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, Akpos Mezeh, reported that the company has recorded substantial progress in protecting the TNP. He attributed this success to sustained collaboration with host communities, security agencies, and other key partners.
“Through strategic investments in local development, conflict resolution, and environmental restoration, we’ve drastically reduced pipeline breaches and oil theft. This has resulted in increased production levels and enhanced investor confidence,” Mezeh stated.
Also speaking at the forum, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, reiterated the Ijaw nation’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s unity and economic advancement. He acknowledged the pivotal role of Ijaw communities in securing oil assets and managing pipeline operations through firms like PINL.
However, Okaba criticized the current framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the three percent allocation earmarked for host communities. He described the provision as “an insult,” calling for a review of the terms to ensure fairness and better enforcement.
“We have always supported national progress, but the three percent in the PIA does not reflect the sacrifices of host communities. We demand better agreements and strict adherence from both the government and operating companies,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and support the federal government’s production targets.
