Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), has called on the military to maintain its efforts against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Kyari’s appeal comes as he observed a significant improvement in the country’s crude oil production, attributing this positive change to the ongoing security measures.
Kyari made these remarks during a recent visit from General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, who was accompanied by senior military officers. The meeting took place at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Tuesday. According to a statement from Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd, Kyari expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in oil production, which has reached levels not seen in the past three years. This improvement is linked to the effective actions taken by the military and other security agencies to safeguard critical infrastructure, especially oil pipelines.
Kyari highlighted that the military’s sustained efforts have been instrumental in protecting Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure. He noted that the collaboration between the military and security agencies has led to notable results, including increased oil production. Kyari also commended General Musa and his team for their unwavering dedication to securing the country’s oil assets, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has faced significant security challenges in recent months.
In his statement, Kyari acknowledged that the achievements in securing oil infrastructure are not only crucial for Nigeria’s economy but also hold global significance for the energy market. He expressed optimism that the military would continue to deliver on the Presidential mandate to address security challenges that affect oil production. This ongoing effort is crucial for sustaining and enhancing the nation’s economic stability and growth.
In response to Kyari’s comments, General Musa explained that the purpose of the visit was to introduce a new Monitoring Team. This team will be responsible for working closely with NNPC and other stakeholders to ensure the security of the country’s oil-producing regions. The Chief of Defence Staff assured that the military would persist in its campaign against oil theft and vandalism, continuously evaluating and improving its capabilities to enhance overall performance and productivity.
General Musa emphasized the importance of boosting oil production to support a thriving economy. He reassured that the military would collaborate with intelligence agencies, private security firms, state governments, and local communities to improve security measures and protect the nation’s critical oil infrastructure. This collaborative approach aims to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil industry and ensure a stable and prosperous future.
