The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited plans to raise crude oil production from 1.7 million to 3 million barrels per day, says Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at a stakeholder engagement session with National Assembly journalists, Soneye emphasised that achieving this goal required support from all stakeholders, including security agencies, the government, privately owned oil companies, and host communities.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s directives to relevant security agencies have already yielded positive results, with daily oil production rising from 1.4 million to 1.7 million barrels.
Soneye noted that synergy among stakeholders was crucial in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which would create an enabling environment for optimal oil production of 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day.
He said previously, oil production had plummeted to 900,000 barrels per day before private security agencies and military interventions.
Soneye expressed relief that the intensified efforts against oil theft have alleviated concerns.
Also speaking, Murtala Muhammad, Deputy Manager of the NNPC Command and Control Center, highlighted that oil theft remains a serious concern.
“Over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed within six months, primarily in Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia.”
Prof. Taiye Obateru highlighted the vital role of balanced, fair reporting in nation-building and urged journalists to avoid misinformation that could trigger societal crises.
