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
-
News4 days agoObaship: Moro Chiefs, Community Members Reject Imposition of Prince Adebayo
-
Opinion3 weeks agoEquatorial Guinea: A World Sex Symbol By Olusola Ajiboye
-
News4 weeks agoChange of Nomenclature: ADTN Rejects “Dental Surgery Technology”, Says It lacks legal backing
-
Opinion3 weeks agoOsun: Dancing on the grave of Lagbaja and the unroyal gaffe By Ismail Omipidan
-
News4 weeks agoCommunique of the 36th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria
-
News5 days agoOsun: Adeleke’s Projects Cosmetic, Misplaced Priorities – ex-Federal Lawmaker
-
News3 weeks ago2024 Iragbiji Day: Planning Committee Rolls Out Chains of Activities, Says Preparations In Top Gear
-
News3 weeks agoMind’s Power Global Concept Unveils Ife Youths Start-up Competition