The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have agreed to strengthen their partnership to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the country. This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja.

The NAF and NNPC recognize the strategic importance of securing pipelines, flow stations, offshore platforms, and other energy installations. Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the role of technology and intelligence, including expanded surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, in proactive threat detection and rapid response. He emphasized that closer alignment between NAF operations and NNPC priorities would ensure uninterrupted energy supply, increased production, and overall economic resilience.

The partnership aims to enhance productivity, reduce revenue losses, and support national development. The NAF has already made significant progress in curbing oil theft in coordination with sister services and security agencies. According to Bayo Ojulari, the collaboration is timely under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate for NNPC to increase investment and productivity. NNPC has committed to joint initiatives, including intelligence sharing, operational planning, and the deployment of modern security technologies to protect vulnerable assets.

The deepened cooperation between the NAF and NNPC is expected to safeguard national resources and advance Nigeria’s broader development objectives. The partnership will strengthen coastal and maritime security while countering threats from insurgents and criminal networks. The NAF has reassured NNPC of its continued support, emphasizing the importance of protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.

The agreement underscores the importance of collaboration between the NAF and NNPC in ensuring the security and stability of Nigeria’s energy sector. With the country’s economy heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, the protection of these assets is crucial for national development. The partnership is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing the energy sector and promoting economic growth.