Sat Sep 28 17:35:42 UTC 2024: ## Nigeria Aims for 3 Million Barrels Per Day Oil Production, Thanks to Anti-Theft Efforts

**Abuja, Nigeria** – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced its ambition to increase crude oil production from the current 1.7 million barrels per day to 3 million barrels. This optimistic outlook is fueled by the recent success of anti-theft efforts, which have significantly reduced oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Olufemi Soneye, attributed this potential for increased production to the “political will” demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu. The President has issued directives to security agencies, resulting in a rise in daily production from 1.4 million to 1.7 million barrels.

“Three million barrels of oil production per day is achievable in Nigeria if all stakeholders work in synergy,” said Soneye, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government, private security agencies, oil companies, and host communities.

Soneye further highlighted the impact of oil theft, stating that production had plummeted to 900,000 barrels per day at one point. He credited the intensified fight against oil theft, which has involved private security agencies and renewed military efforts, for alleviating this crisis.

The NNPC Command and Control Centre’s Deputy Manager, Murtala Muhammad, presented data highlighting the ongoing fight against oil theft. Over the past six months, over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections have been detected and destroyed. Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia were identified as hotspots for this illegal activity.

Professor Taiye Obateru, in a separate presentation on “Balancing Reporting and Nation Building,” emphasized the importance of fairness and national interest in journalism. He highlighted the critical role of the media in supporting national development efforts, including the fight against oil theft.

This renewed optimism about Nigeria’s oil production potential comes after a period of significant losses due to oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The NNPCL’s goal of achieving 3 million barrels per day production will require continued collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders.

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