Crime
Illegal Crude Oil Connection Discovered In Abia
An oil theft situation assessment delegation deployed in the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu discovered an illegal oil connection on Saturday.
From the illegal connection discovered at Owaza in Abia State, Nigeria loses an average of 7.2 million dollars monthly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd stated on Sunday.
It added that clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations and environmental devastation the team saw collectively translated into severe economic losses for the nation.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has service chiefs and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, as members.
Other members are the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari.
Also in the team are the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Olusegun Ferreira, a rear admiral, and operatives of security agencies and chief executive officers of regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector.
The team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where an array of dismantled illegal connections were observed.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta. Cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” Mr Badaru advised at the site.
In his remarks, Mr Kyari said while oil theft in vessels could be tracked, oil-bearing communities must play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities.
“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet her OPEC daily production quota,” he said.
Also speaking at the site, the Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Patrick Godwin, said some arrests had been made and culprits arraigned.
In his comments, Mr Ribadu applauded security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd for stepping up the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.
“The environment and livelihoods are being destroyed while the federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the naira,” he said.
Source: NAN
Continue Reading
-
News1 week ago
Former Osun PDP Chieftain, Babalola Officially Joins APC, Vows to Deliver Constituency In Future Elections
-
News2 weeks ago
Development In Osun Very Low Compared To Funds Accrued From FG – NIWA Boss, Oyebamiji
-
News2 weeks ago
Reviewing President Tinubu’s 64th Independence Day Speech By Reno Omokiri
-
News2 weeks ago
Community Development: Over 382 Projects executed by Adeleke led Administration – Special Adviser
-
News19 hours ago
October 17: How Oyetola, others cheated death – By Ismail Omipidan
-
News3 weeks ago
Adeleke Inaugurates Osun CDC Executive, Distributes 5 Operational Vehicles
-
News4 weeks ago
OAUTHC Offers 390 Disengaged Staff Fresh Appointments
-
News5 days ago
Dental Technologists Urged On Research, Evidence Based Practices – ADTN President, Eyarefe