The Federal Government remains determined to hit its target of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil daily, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has declared.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Yenagoa, hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to assess its operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the government’s renewed drive against oil vandals threatening national assets.
Ribadu, represented by the NSA’s Director of Energy, Mr. Amachree Young-Harry, disclosed that a dedicated committee has been actively investigating and prosecuting oil-related crimes.
So far, over 100 individuals have faced legal action, with 15 recently incarcerated in Port Harcourt.
“The President is committed to the 2.5 million barrels per day target,” Young-Harry said, urging collective participation from all stakeholders to make it a reality.
In his remarks, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Consultant on Community Relations, highlighted the company’s achievements in protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline.
He attributed the success to strong partnerships with host communities and security forces, which have helped cut down oil theft and pipeline sabotage significantly.
He said PINL’s investment in community welfare, environmental restoration, and conflict resolution has improved oil output and investor confidence. “The pipeline now enjoys near-zero breaches,” Mezeh stated.
Also speaking at the event, Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, reaffirmed the Ijaw people’s commitment to national unity and energy security.
However, he criticised the three per cent host community allocation under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing it as “demeaning” and urging the Federal Government to revisit and enforce better terms.