The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, stated that
sophisticated international syndicates are behind threats to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
He said the syndicates exploit gaps in the national, regional and continental security architecture to conduct illicit operations.
Ojulari said this on Monday when he spoke at at the opening of the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, in Abuja.
The NNPCL Chief Executive Officer stressed that threats to energy infrastructure were not confined to local actors.
According to him, oil theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means purely localised.
“They involved sophisticated international syndicates that exploit gaps in the national, regional and continental security architecture to conduct illicit operations,” Ojulari said.
He called for greater regional and continental cooperation, noting that energy security must be treated as a shared strategic priority.
“It is therefore imperative that forums such as this summit are encouraged, with a view to strengthen strategic, tactical and operational collaboration within the continent.
“Together we can safeguard Africa’s resources, reinforce peace, and create an enabling environment for prosperity for our people,” he added.
Ojulari said that the NNPCL was attaining close to 100 per cent crude oil production capacity following strengthened collaboration with security and intelligence agencies.
He said the turnaround was a product of deliberate and sustained partnership between the oil and gas industry and the Nigerian defence and security institutions.
Ojulari said: “Not too long ago, our crude oil receipts through pipelines and terminals had dropped dangerously low, sometimes to as little as 20 to 30 per cent.
“That was a period when pipeline vandalism, crude theft, illegal refineries and sabotage became rampant.
“Today, I can proudly report to you all that our production and receipts are now attaining close to 100 per cent.
“Thanks to the professionalism, discipline and collaborative spirit of our security and intelligence agencies, particularly in stabilising the Niger Delta.”
The NNPCL boss explained that the company had directly witnessed the impact of military operations, intelligence-driven interventions and joint patrols in securing critical energy infrastructure.
“These successes would not have been possible without the immense and intentional efforts of our government, the armed forces and our intelligence community.
“Their sacrifices have created the enabling environment for oil and gas operations to thrive once again,” he said.
Ojulari reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to supporting the military and intelligence agencies, stressing that the oil and gas sector in Nigeria would continue to complement continental defence initiatives.
“At NNPC Limited, we hold this partnership in the highest regard. We stand ready to complement and cooperate with defence and security institutions, not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for Africa’s collective growth and stability,” he said.
