*Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) announces Nigeria’s fresh target is to as attain 3 million barrels per day in crude oil production by 2025, stressing the Federal Government is confident the second phase of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ will play a key role in achieving this milestone in the downstream oil sector

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

From current 1.8 barrels per day (bpd), the Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed plans to collaborate with the country’s Navy to achieve 3 million barrels per day crude oil production by 2025.

绿帽献妻 reports the West African country’s current output, which stands at approximately 1.8 million bpd, a significant increase from 1.4 million bpd the sector recorded as of August 2023.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Monday, December 30, 2024, announced the fresh target st the launch of the second phase of Operation Delta Sanity II (OPDS II), in Port Harcourt, River State capital.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil)

Lokpobiri noted that the initial phase of OPDS, launched on January 10, had contributed to the improved production figures, prompting the Nigerian Navy to proceed with the second phase, agency report said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) also stated: “In August 2023, Nigeria鈥檚 daily crude oil production was barely a million bpd.

“Currently, the nation produces about 1.8 million bpd.

鈥淥ur target is to reach 3 million bpd by 2025, and we are confident that the second phase of OPDS will play a key role in achieving this milestone.”

He equally stressed the pivotal role of the Nigerian Navy in ensuring security.

The Navy, he noted, would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country.

Despite the concerted efforts, Lokpobiri expressed concern about the persistent sabotage of the Trans Niger Pipeline.

He further explained: “The Trans Niger Pipeline remains a major challenge, with criminals breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil.

鈥淗owever, the Nigerian Navy has pledged to intensify its efforts to protect these national assets, building on its successes in 2024.”

Benefits of combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism

Minister Lokpobiri as well highlighted the inherent implications of curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the downstream petroleum sector of the economy.

He noted the potential for increased government revenue and enhanced allocations to states and local governments for development purposes.

Lokpobiri, therefore, urged security agencies, maritime contractors, traditional rulers, and local youths to support the navy鈥檚 efforts at safeguarding these critical national infrastructure and/ or assets.

In his remarks on the occasion, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, expressed optimism about the feasibility of reaching the 3 million bpd production target, report said.

Ogalla stated that Operation Delta Sanity was specifically designed to address oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes, ensuring a secure environment for legitimate operations.

The Service Chief also said: “The initial phase of the OPDS led to numerous arrests of vessels and oil thieves, as well as the dismantling of several illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta.

鈥淭hese measures resulted in significant improvements in legitimate maritime activities and boosted crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting 100 percent terminal factor.”

As earlier noted by Lokpobiri, Ogalla also emphasised that despite recorded successes in this regard, the Nigerian Navy yet realised the need to refine the operation to achieve even better outcomes.

The Chief of Naval Staff further stated: 鈥淩ejigging the operation involves deploying newly acquired maritime domain awareness infrastructure, attack helicopters, armed drones, and enhanced intelligence-gathering systems.

鈥淲e are also incorporating non-kinetic approaches and strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to sustain and increase crude oil production beyond 2 million bpd, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.”

He expressed confidence that OPDS II would further stabilise oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta by 2025.

Speaking at the event, Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, provided details of the accomplishments during the first phase of OPDS.

Akinwande mentioned the arrest of 215 suspects, the destruction of 468 illegal refineries, and the seizure of about 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of adulterated diesel.

Rear Admiral Akinwande stated: “In addition, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks were deactivated, while 26 vessels were apprehended, among others.”

Kindly Share This Story