Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), highlighted on Monday that the surge in crude oil theft across Africa is orchestrated by well-organized international and continental criminal networks exploiting weaknesses in security systems.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference held in Abuja, Ojulari emphasized that this issue transcends national borders and should be addressed as a complex transnational challenge demanding unified regional strategies.
“Theft of crude oil and related illicit activities are far from isolated incidents,” he explained. “These crimes are executed by sophisticated global syndicates that capitalize on vulnerabilities within state, national, and continental security frameworks to carry out their operations.”
Ojulari pointed out that while pipeline sabotage and oil theft have been persistent problems in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, recent security measures have helped curb the extent of these illegal activities. He highlighted the indispensable role of security in the energy sector, calling it “a fundamental pillar of the energy industry and a strategic element in securing energy stability at national, regional, and continental levels.”
As the leader of Africa’s largest national oil company, Ojulari shared his experience witnessing the benefits of cooperative efforts within the energy sector, which have contributed to notable enhancements in the operational landscape.
According to recent data from the African Energy Chamber, oil theft in the continent accounts for losses exceeding $2 billion annually, underscoring the urgency for strengthened cross-border collaboration. For instance, joint task forces between Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad have recently reported a 30% reduction in pipeline vandalism incidents, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated security responses.
In conclusion, Ojulari’s remarks underscore the necessity for integrated regional policies and robust security frameworks to combat the sophisticated networks behind oil theft, ensuring sustainable energy security for Africa’s future.
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