NNPC Chief Mele Kyari labels oil theft in Niger Delta as calamitous

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has characterized the prevalence of oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta region as a calamity. Kyari expressed concern over the existence of more than 4,800 illegal connections on crude oil pipelines in the area, cautioning that these activities could thwart the Federal Government’s projections.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja on Friday, Kyari highlighted the significant impact of the security situation in the Niger Delta on daily oil production. He described the security challenges in the region as unprecedented globally, emphasizing the abnormality of engaging non-state actors as a last resort to address the situation.

Kyari stated, “You have over 4,800 illegal connections on our pipelines. That means, within every kilometer, you have an insertion. Even if you seal all the insertions, you can’t get what you want in terms of production.”

He further explained that the Niger Delta faces challenges not only from illegal oil connections but also from individuals across the country engaging in unauthorized refining activities. Kyari assured that the NNPCL is actively working to address these challenges and restore sanity in the region, emphasizing the need to contain the damage to the environment and host communities caused by these illegal activities.