The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has highlighted the role of international and continental gangs in stealing crude oil across Africa. According to Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, these specialised syndicates exploit security gaps to carry out their illegal activities. Ojulari made this statement at the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Crude oil theft is a complex issue with continental and international dimensions, requiring a collaborative and synergistic approach among various military formations across Africa. Ojulari emphasized that crude theft and its associated illegal activities are not localised occurrences, but rather involve international syndicates that take advantage of security gaps within the state, national, and continental security architecture.
In Nigeria, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, crude theft and pipeline vandalism have been longstanding issues. However, Ojulari noted that the efforts of security agencies have led to significant improvements in the operating environment. As the head of the largest national oil company on the continent, he has seen the benefits of collaboration within the energy space, resulting in improved pipeline availability and reduced attacks.
The NNPCL has reported a significant increase in the receipt of crude oil at its pipelines and terminals, from as low as 20-30% to nearly 100%, thanks to the support of security forces and intelligence agencies. Ojulari stresses the importance of continental forums in strengthening strategic activities within the continent to address the issue of crude oil theft.
The Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference brought together high-ranking officials, including the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, and Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima. The conference aimed to promote collaboration and synergy among African countries to address the complex issue of crude oil theft and enhance regional energy security. The discussions underscored the need for a holistic approach to tackling crude oil theft, which has significant implications for the continent’s energy sector and economy.
