NNPC says it loses 200,000 barrels of oil daily to thieves, seeks military’s help

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) has said it loses 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and vandalism and is calling for the military to protect oil and gas assets.

Mele Kyari, group managing director of the NNPC said that though petroleum products theft on the System 2B Pipeline has reduced considerably due to support from the security agencies, the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and vandalism.

“We have two sets of losses, one coming from our products and the other coming from crude oil. In terms of crude losses, it is still going on. On average, we are losing 200,000 barrels of crude every day,” Kyari stated.

Lucky Irabor, the chief of defence staff, has promised to galvanize the military to provide maximum security for the nation’s oil and gas assets.

The CDS gave the commitment Wednesday at a meeting with Mele Kyari, group managing director of the NNPC, and his top management team at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking while receiving the GMD, Irabor commended Kyari for initiating the engagement, saying: “I am delighted that you made this effort, and I tell you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with you to protect NNPC’s assets”

According to the NNPC release, Irabor, said there was a need for collaboration between the NNPC and the Armed Forces to protect oil and gas facilities which he described as critical national assets.

“It is my intention to cooperate maximally with you and to give necessary instructions to all officers in the Armed Forces given that our existence, economically, rests almost solely on the NNPC, and to that extent, we must do everything possible to give you everything that you require,” the CDS stated.

Speaking earlier, the NNPC GMD commended the security agencies for their support and called for more protection for NNPC’s operational assets and personnel.