NNPCL Boss Links Oil Theft to International Syndicates

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, has warned that crude oil theft in Africa is not merely a local issue but a continental challenge involving international criminal networks. Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja on Monday, he said the crimes are executed by specialised syndicates exploiting security gaps across borders.

Ojulari explained that crude theft and pipeline vandalism, once rampant in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, have reduced significantly due to the efforts of security forces and intelligence agencies. He revealed that crude oil receipts at pipelines and terminals, which had dropped as low as 20% in previous years, were now approaching 100% as a result of improved security collaboration.

He said the progress was an evidence of the benefits of synergy between the oil sector and security formations. Ojulari encouraged more continental forums and joint efforts to sustain the gains and address transnational threats in the energy space.

The Abuja event was attended by top African defence chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shettima, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and other senior regional and international officials.