Commendations have poured in for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as the nation’s crude oil production reached 1.8 million barrels per day (1.8mbpd).
The NNPCL’s board and management, announcing the milestone, also revealed that gas production had increased to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (7.4bscfd).
Stakeholders lauded NNPCL and private security firms, particularly Tantita, for safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets, leading to the accomplishment.
Tantita has spearheaded a vigorous crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, driving oil thieves out of the coastal regions and confiscating their illicit equipment.
Reports indicated that many oil thieves abandoned the illegal trade due to Tantita’s unrelenting pressure in the Niger Delta coastal areas.
These efforts, alongside collaborations with state actors, have significantly boosted crude and gas production levels. Tantita has implemented further clampdown measures aimed at achieving two million bpd by December in partnership with industry stakeholders.
At a press briefing on Thursday last week, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari confirmed the accomplishment, crediting it to President Bola Tinubu’s directives.
Kyari commended the Production War Room Team (PWRT) for their success in driving production recovery and scaling it to expected levels aligned with shareholders’ mandates.
Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the GCEO, Lawal Musa, explained that the progress was the result of collaboration between joint venture partners, production-sharing contractors, government, private security agencies, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Musa highlighted that when the Production War Room was inaugurated on June 25, 2024, production was at 1.43mbpd. Through their efforts, it reached 1.7mbpd in August and now stands at 1.808 Mbpd in November.
“With this momentum and active collaboration, especially on the security front, we are optimistic about achieving 2mbpd by end of the year,” Musa stated.
Earlier, chairman of TSSNL, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, pledged to increase crude production to enhance national revenue.
Reacting to the milestone, Tompolo expressed delight at contributing to the achievement.
Tompolo, speaking through his Special Adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, reaffirmed Tantita’s commitment to achieving 2mbpd by December, as directed by President Tinubu.
“This success was achieved in collaboration with NNPCL, security forces and Tantita, which has been at the forefront of protecting pipelines in the Niger Delta. Our machinery is in place to ensure we hit and exceed the target,” Tompolo said.
He added that advanced technologies were being deployed to monitor facilities, prevent disruptions and curb oil theft.
“Our relentless efforts through the 1.8 Mbpd achieved will certainly increase to 2 Mbpd by year-end and even beyond,” Tompolo assured through Bebenimibo.
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