The Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) to ramp up their production to meet the federal government’s ambitious target of 2.2 million barrels of crude oil per day.
This call to action was made by Major Kayode Owolabi, the Coordinator of the OPDS Joint Media Campaign Centre, during a progress report on crude oil production and security in the Niger Delta, delivered on Sunday.
Major Owolabi’s announcement follows a directive issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on July 17, 2024, to put an end to crude oil theft.
Since then, the OPDS Commander, Rear Admiral John Okeke, has implemented several critical measures to secure major pipelines, including the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Trans Escravos Pipeline (TEP), and Trans Ramos Pipeline (TRP).
READ ALSO:
Import Duty Suspension on Food Items to End Soon, Says Abubakar Kyari
These efforts have resulted in achieving a 100 percent flow capacity, with daily crude oil output now reaching approximately 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd). Despite this significant progress, Rear Admiral Okeke acknowledged that incidents of vandalism continue to pose challenges.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that IOCs are currently operating at full capacity. In light of these developments, Okeke urged both local and international oil companies to increase their production levels and fully utilize the existing pipeline capacity.
“If pipelines are already at full capacity, the NNPCL must evaluate the nation’s capability to produce 2.2 million bpd, with long-term efforts focusing on enhancing production capacity,” Okeke stated. This statement underscores the need for strategic planning and investment to bolster Nigeria’s oil production infrastructure.
This directive aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to improve the security situation in the Niger Delta region and boost crude oil production.
On July 17th, during a security meeting with zonal and divisional military commanders and heads of other security agencies, General Christopher Musa gave a two-week deadline to enhance security measures in the region. This initiative aims to safeguard vital oil infrastructure and ensure a stable production environment.
The renewed focus on increasing oil production comes in the wake of a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu, in which he highlighted the positive impact of economic reforms announced in May 2024.
In his address, President Tinubu noted, “Last month, we increased our oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, and our gas assets are receiving the attention they deserve.”
READ ALSO:
Potential Collapse of the Atlantic Ocean’s Current System: An Urgent Call for Climate Action
This statement reflects a significant turnaround for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, which has been plagued by declining production due to rampant crude oil theft in the oil-producing states, particularly in the Niger Delta.
As Nigeria strives to meet its production targets, the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL, IOCs, and security agencies will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by oil theft and vandalism.
The federal government’s commitment to economic reforms and security enhancements is expected to pave the way for a more robust and resilient oil and gas sector, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and stability.