Illegal Crude Oil Connection That Makes Nigeria Lose An average Of $7.2 Million Monthly Discovered In Abia

Illegal Crude Oil Connection That Makes Nigeria Lose An average Of $7.2 Million Monthly Discovered In Abia

A delegation sent to the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu to assess the situation of oil theft uncovered an illicit oil connection on Saturday.

According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., this illegal connection, located in Owaza, Abia, results in an average monthly loss of 7.2 million dollars for Nigeria.

The discovery revealed not only clandestine refineries and illegal bunkering operations but also significant environmental degradation, all of which collectively contribute to substantial economic losses for the country.

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The assessment team, led by Minister of Defence Malam Muhammed Badaru, includes service chiefs, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr Ekperipe Ekpo, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. Malam Mele Kyari.

Other participants consist of the Commander of “Operation Delta Safe” Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, security agency operatives, and CEOs of regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector.

During the visit to Owaza, Abia, where a series of dismantled illegal connections were found along the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way, Malam Badaru emphasized the importance of peaceful engagement in the Niger Delta and urged a halt to crude oil theft and economic sabotage.

Kyari highlighted the need for collaboration from oil-bearing communities to combat oil theft within their areas, mentioning that while oil theft on vessels can be tracked, local cooperation is crucial.

Patrick Godwin, Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., reported that some arrests have already been made and culprits brought to justice.

Ribadu praised the efforts of security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for their role in intensifying the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage. He emphasized the grave consequences of environmental degradation and lost revenue for the nation’s economy and currency stability.