Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr Bashir Ojulari
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that the country is approaching full crude oil production capacity due to enhanced partnerships with security and intelligence agencies.
Speaking at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, highlighted the significant recovery in oil production.
“Previously, our crude oil receipts through pipelines and terminals plummeted to as low as 20 to 30 percent due to rampant pipeline vandalism, crude theft, illegal refineries, and sabotage,” Ojulari noted.
“Today, I am proud to share that our production and receipts are nearing 100 percent, thanks to the professionalism and collaborative efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, especially in stabilizing the Niger Delta.”
Ojulari emphasized the critical role of military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and joint patrols in securing vital energy infrastructure.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our government, armed forces, and intelligence community, whose sacrifices have revitalized the oil and gas sector,” he said.
He also pointed out that oil theft is not solely a local issue but involves sophisticated international syndicates exploiting weaknesses in national and regional security frameworks.
“Oil theft and related illicit activities are far from localized; they involve complex global networks,” Ojulari explained.
He advocated for stronger regional and continental cooperation, stating, “Energy security must be a shared strategic priority, and forums like this summit are crucial for fostering tactical and operational collaboration across Africa.”
Reaffirming NNPCL’s commitment, Ojulari added, “We at NNPC Limited deeply value this partnership and are committed to supporting defence and security institutions, not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective growth and stability.”
The summit, themed: “ _Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,”_ was attended by representatives from 36 countries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy UN Secretary-General, who delivered the keynote address.
Leaders from the African Union, ECOWAS, ministers, lawmakers, and both former and serving defence chiefs were also present, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
