Crude Oil Theft: ‘We’ll Do Everything To Restore Sanity ‘, NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari

Crude Oil Theft: ‘We’ll Do Everything To Restore Sanity ‘, NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), expressed his concerns about the severe challenges of oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

He emphasized that this situation can be described as a calamity.

During his appearance before the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja, Kyari revealed that there are more than 4,800 illegal connections on crude oil pipelines in the area.

He further warned that if not addressed, this issue has the potential to hinder the Federal Government’s projections and plans.

Kyari highlighted the critical importance of maintaining a secure environment in the Niger Delta, as the daily production of oil heavily relies on the security situation in the region.

He said, “The situation we have in Niger Delta in terms of security is a calamity. We don’t have that anywhere in the world. To engage non-state actors as a last resort is abnormal. But we have to respond abnormally.

“You have over 4,800 illegal connections on our pipelines. That means, within every kilometer, you have an insertion. Even if you seal all the insertions, you can’t get what you want in terms of production.

“In the Niger Delta, people are coming from all parts of the country to do illegal refining. That’s why we engage locals to deal with it.

“We will contain this challenge. We are doing everything possible to restore sanity. What is happening is a colossal damage to the environment and the host communities.”