Quote from Alex bobby on March 12, 2024, 7:12 AM

“As we continue to do our best to deepen transparency and stamp out corruption from the system, there is one big challenge that you will need to help us with, Mr Chairman. That challenge is crude theft,” Mr Kyari said.

Combating Crude Oil Theft: NNPC's Call to Action and Ongoing Challenges

In a bid to address the escalating issue of crude oil theft in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has sought assistance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, made this plea in a statement released on Monday.

The urgency of the matter was underscored during an interactive session at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, where Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, labeled crude oil theft as the most significant and pervasive economic crime in the country. Mr. Kyari emphasized the audacious tactics employed by perpetrators and the alarming daily volume of stolen oil, highlighting the imperative need for the EFCC's intervention.

Mr. Kyari delved into the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and curb crude oil theft, shedding light on the challenges faced by NNPC Ltd. He shared that the company had successfully deactivated 6,409 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region and disconnected 4,846 illegal pipes linked to their pipelines. Despite these achievements, Mr. Kyari stressed the persistent emergence of new illegal connections, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative action.

Expressing concern over the unique nature of crude theft in Nigeria, Mr. Kyari pointed out its detrimental impact on production and the discouragement it poses to potential industry investors. He called upon the EFCC to play a pivotal role in curbing this economic crime, emphasizing the crucial role of deterrence.

In addressing internal corruption within NNPC Ltd, Mr. Kyari explained the implementation of stringent ethical standards and the automation of numerous processes to prevent discretionary actions. He clarified that reported corruption issues were often either untrue or recycled from the past, asserting the company's commitment to maintaining high ethical standards.

In response to NNPC Ltd's commitment to ethical standards, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede commended the efforts but challenged the management to complement codes of ethics with effective monitoring and enforcement for enhanced deterrence.

Despite the implementation of initiatives such as the launch of a monitoring application in August 2022 and the awarding of a pipeline surveillance contract to a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges related to pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. This persistent issue has prompted several international oil companies to shift their focus from onshore to offshore operations.

The severity of the crude oil theft issue in Nigeria demands a multi-faceted approach, combining the efforts of NNPC Ltd, the EFCC, and other relevant stakeholders. Collaborative action, stringent enforcement of ethical standards, and the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies are crucial elements in the ongoing battle against this pervasive economic crime. As Nigeria continues to navigate these challenges, a concerted effort from all involved parties is essential to safeguard the nation's vital oil resources and secure the future of its oil industry.