At a recent meeting with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, Mele Kyari, Managing Director of NNPC Limited, stated the urgent need for concerted action against the rampant crude oil theft plaguing the Niger Delta region.
Kyari spoke about the severity of the situation, labeling crude oil theft as “the most humongous and virulent economic crime in Nigeria.” He stressed on the need for the EFCC to prioritize efforts to curb this illicit activity due to its detrimental impact on the nation’s economy.
During the meeting, Kyari revealed alarming statistics regarding the scale of crude oil theft in the region. He disclosed that an estimated volume of oil is stolen daily, pointing to the audacious manner in which perpetrators operate with impunity.
“We have deactivated 6,409 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region,” Kyari stated. “Today, we have disconnected up to 4,846 illegal pipes connected to our pipelines, out of 5,543 such illegal connection points.”
He lamented the persistent challenges in combating crude oil theft, noting that despite efforts to dismantle illegal connections, new ones continue to emerge.
Kyari believes that these illegal activities occur within known communities and locations, indicating complicity at various levels He said that the illegal connections are not inconspicuous; rather, they involve substantial pipes requiring expertise for installation.
He stated the detrimental effects of crude oil theft on investment in the sector, hindering production growth and deterring potential investors.
“Theft of this magnitude is unparalleled globally,” Kyari remarked. “Such illicit activities obstruct the flow of crude oil to terminals, undermining the viability of the industry.”
