The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to join forces in addressing the pervasive issue of crude oil theft in the nation. The company’s CEO, Mele Kyari, underscored the urgent need to tackle this menace, emphasizing that it’s deterring potential investors from engaging in the oil sector.
During an interactive session with the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, Kyari highlighted the NNPCL’s ongoing efforts to root out corruption from its operations and combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Kyari emphasized the severity of crude oil theft, describing it as the most significant economic crime in Nigeria due to its daily occurrence and the audacity of the perpetrators. He stressed the importance of the EFCC’s intervention in addressing this issue effectively.
“We are committed to enhancing transparency and eliminating corruption from our operations. However, we need your assistance, Mr. Chairman, to address the challenge of crude theft. This issue aligns with your mandate and requires urgent attention,” Kyari stated.
The CEO provided insights into the extent of illegal activities in the Niger Delta region, including the deactivation of thousands of illegal refineries and the disconnection of numerous illegal pipeline connections. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to combat these activities, which undermine the nation’s economy and deter investment in the oil sector.
In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede commended the NNPCL’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and urged the management to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to deter illicit activities effectively.
The prevalence of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region remains a pressing concern, contributing to the decline in oil production and prompting the divestment of some international oil companies from the area. Addressing this issue requires collaborative efforts and decisive action to safeguard Nigeria’s oil resources and promote economic growth and stability.
