Illegal crude oil hookup where Nigeria loses $7.2m a month discovered in Abia

An oil theft situation assessment delegation deployed to the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu discovered an illegal oil connection on Saturday.

As a result of the illegal connection discovered in Owaza, Abia State, Nigeria is losing an average of $7.2 million per month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd said on Sunday.

He added that the clandestine refineries, illegal refueling operations and environmental devastation the team has seen collectively translate into serious economic losses for the nation.

The delegation, headed by Defense Minister Muhammed Badaru, includes service chiefs and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Petroleum), Heineken Lokpobiri among its members.

Other members are Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Resources Ekperipe Ekpo, National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and NNPC Ltd Group Managing Director Mele Kyari.

FIRS

The team also includes the commander of Operation Delta Safe, Olusegun Ferreira, a rear admiral, as well as officers from security agencies and directors general from oil and gas regulatory agencies.

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The team visited the right-of-way of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Owaza, Abia, where a set of dismantled illegal connections were observed.

“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta. Cease and renounce crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” Badaru advised on the site.

TEXEM announcement READ ALSO: Oil theft: Navy discovers sabotaged NNPC wellhead in Rivers

In his speech, Mr. Kyari said that while oil theft from ships can be tracked, oil-producing communities must play a vital role in combating oil theft within their communities .

“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet its daily OPEC production quota,” he said.

Also speaking on the site, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd Chief Security Officer Patrick Godwin said some arrests had been made and the culprits had been brought to justice.

In his comments, Mr. Ribadu commended security agencies, community security providers 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 supporting the economy and strengthening the naira,” he said.

(NAN)

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Illegal crude oil hookup where Nigeria loses $7.2m a month discovered in Abia

An oil theft situation assessment delegation deployed to the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu discovered an illegal oil connection on Saturday.

As a result of the illegal connection discovered in Owaza, Abia State, Nigeria is losing an average of $7.2 million per month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd said on Sunday.

He added that the clandestine refineries, illegal refueling operations and environmental devastation the team has seen collectively translate into serious economic losses for the nation.

The delegation, headed by Defense Minister Muhammed Badaru, includes service chiefs and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Petroleum), Heineken Lokpobiri among its members.

Other members are Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Resources Ekperipe Ekpo, National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and NNPC Ltd Group Managing Director Mele Kyari.

FIRS

The team also includes the commander of Operation Delta Safe, Olusegun Ferreira, a rear admiral, as well as officers from security agencies and directors general from oil and gas regulatory agencies.

>

The team visited the right-of-way of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Owaza, Abia, where a set of dismantled illegal connections were observed.

“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta. Cease and renounce crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” Badaru advised on the site.

TEXEM announcement READ ALSO: Oil theft: Navy discovers sabotaged NNPC wellhead in Rivers

In his speech, Mr. Kyari said that while oil theft from ships can be tracked, oil-producing communities must play a vital role in combating oil theft within their communities .

“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet its daily OPEC production quota,” he said.

Also speaking on the site, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd Chief Security Officer Patrick Godwin said some arrests had been made and the culprits had been brought to justice.

In his comments, Mr. Ribadu commended security agencies, community security providers 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 supporting the economy and strengthening the naira,” he said.

(NAN)

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Kogi AD

Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. To continue free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this worthy endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and accessible to everyone. Make a donation [embedded content]

TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Wi...

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