International Syndicates Exploit Security Loopholes to Steal Crude — NNPCL CEO

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, has revealed that specialised international and continental syndicates exploit security loopholes to steal crude oil across Africa.

Ojulari made this known on Monday at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He stressed that crude theft is not just a Nigerian problem but has continental and global dimensions, requiring joint efforts and synergy among Africa’s military formations to tackle effectively.

“Crude theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means a purely localised occurrence; rather, these operations involve specialised international syndicates that take advantage of gaps within the state, national and continental security architecture to conduct illegal activities,” Ojulari told a gathering of defence chiefs from across the continent.

The NNPCL boss, however, noted that crude theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta, are gradually becoming a thing of the past due to the increased efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.

“Security forms a key pillar of the energy business and therefore plays a very important and strategic role in achieving national, regional and continental energy security goals,” he said.

Ojulari added that, as the head of Africa’s largest national oil company, he has witnessed firsthand the benefits of collaboration in the energy sector, with noticeable improvements in Nigeria’s operating environment.

“The devastating impact of crude theft, low pipeline availability and frequent attacks are now largely behind us. These positive outcomes are the result of deliberate and sustained efforts by our government agencies nationwide, particularly in the Niger Delta.

“Today, I can proudly report that our pipelines and terminals’ crude oil receipts, which had dropped as low as 20% to 30%, are now nearing 100% capacity, thanks to the support of the security forces and intelligence agencies,” he stated.

He further emphasised that continental forums such as the Defence Chiefs Conference must be encouraged to strengthen collective security strategies across Africa.

Dignitaries at the event included UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray; AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf; former Nigerian UN Permanent Representative Ibrahim Gambari; and FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji.