The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a major breakthrough in the country’s crude oil production, revealing that output is now approaching full capacity following strengthened collaboration with security and intelligence agencies.
Speaking at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, highlighted the industry’s recovery after years of disruption.
“Not long ago, crude oil receipts through our pipelines and terminals dropped to as low as 20–30 percent due to rampant vandalism, theft, illegal refineries, and sabotage,” Ojulari said. “Today, I am proud to confirm that production and receipts are now nearing 100 percent. This turnaround is the direct result of professionalism, coordinated security operations, and intelligence-driven strategies that have stabilized the Niger Delta.”
Ojulari credited the Nigerian Armed Forces and intelligence agencies for their decisive role in protecting critical energy infrastructure. He stressed that oil theft is not merely a local challenge but a global criminal enterprise involving sophisticated international networks.
“These illicit activities go beyond our borders. They involve highly coordinated syndicates exploiting security loopholes across the region. This is why energy security must be treated as a shared strategic priority for Africa,” he said.
He further called for deeper regional and continental partnerships, noting that collaboration through platforms like the summit is vital to strengthen tactical and operational responses.
Reaffirming NNPCL’s commitment, Ojulari added: “We value our partnership with defence and security institutions and remain committed to supporting them, not just for Nigeria’s stability but for Africa’s collective growth.”
The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,” was attended by top leaders from 36 countries. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, while Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered the keynote address.
The gathering also featured representatives of the African Union, ECOWAS, ministers, lawmakers, and both former and serving defence chiefs, underscoring the global importance of energy and security collaboration.
