The Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Firm Restricted (NNPCL) has introduced the invention and confiscation of merchandise from 63 unlawful refineries prior to now week.
The event was revealed in a documentary launched by the oil firm on Wednesday, which highlighted the continued battle towards crude oil theft within the nation.
In keeping with the NNPCL, a complete of 177 incidents have been recorded between August 3 and 9, involving unlawful actions corresponding to pipeline connections and oil theft. The incidents have been reported by numerous sources, together with Tantita Safety Providers (TSS), Shell Petroleum Growth Firm (SPDC), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Restricted (PINL), Maton Engineering Firm, NNPC Working Ltd, NNPC Command and Management Centre, and authorities safety businesses.
The 63 unlawful refineries have been found and confiscated in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States, with a vandalised and barricaded oil wellhead additionally uncovered in Bayelsa State.
The NNPCL additional disclosed that in the course of the week underneath assessment, 19 unlawful pipeline connections have been recovered, and repairs have been carried out at completely different places in Bayelsa and Rivers States. Moreover, 17 autos and 15 wood boats carrying stolen crude oil have been seized in communities throughout Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. The corporate additionally reported the arrest of 16 suspects in reference to the incidents.
LEADERSHIP studies that the developments got here amid mounting issues over the delay within the graduation of operations on the Port Harcourt Refinery. The refinery, managed by the Port Harcourt Refining Firm, has confronted a number of postponements, with the most recent promise from NNPCL’s Group Chief Govt Officer, Mele Kyari, stating that the refinery would start operations in early August. Nonetheless, because the month approaches its finish, the refinery stays inactive, elevating fears of one more unfulfilled promise by the nationwide oil firm.
LEADERSHIP additionally studies that Kyari had beforehand assured the Senate in July that the Port Harcourt Refinery could be operational by early August, with the Kaduna and Warri Refineries anticipated to observe by December. He confidently declared, “I can verify to you, Mr Chairman, that by the top of the yr, this nation might be a web exporter of petroleum merchandise.” Regardless of the assurances, there was no official clarification from the NNPCL relating to the most recent delay.
The continuing points surrounding crude oil theft have additionally drawn criticisms from distinguished figures, together with billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu.
LEADERSHIP remembers that in a latest interview with the Monetary Instances of London, Elumelu expressed frustration over the lack of the federal government and safety businesses to establish and apprehend these chargeable for the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil. He revealed that oil thieves proceed to siphon off 18 % of the crude produced from his area, stating, “That is oil theft; we aren’t speaking about stealing a bottle of Coke that you could put in your pocket. The federal government ought to know; they need to inform us.”
