Former heads of NNPC decry spate of oil bunkering

The Forum of Former General Managing Directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) has decried the current rate of oil bunkering in the country that has led to the destruction of 7,000 illegal refineries. In a communique signed by Dr Jackson Gaius Obaseki, after the meeting of former CEO Forum in Abuja, they […]

The Forum of Former General Managing Directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) has decried the current rate of oil bunkering in the country that has led to the destruction of 7,000 illegal refineries.

In a communique signed by Dr Jackson Gaius Obaseki, after the meeting of former CEO Forum in Abuja, they sympathised with the management team over the challenges faced in onshore operations.

The communique described the discovery of the illegal refineries destroyed and over 5,000 illegal connections removed as an act of economic sabotage.

“We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. Therefore, all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be sanctioned. We trust that government security agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

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It, however, expressed support for the current leadership and their commendable efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors.

“The forum provided insights on NNPC’s transition post PIA, the challenges and opportunities therefrom. We obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates. In particular, oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed.”

While commending the Group CEO of NNPC, Mele Kyari, for serving to implement the PIA, they noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time.

“We also acknowledge with satisfaction the significant progress made in increasing crude oil and gas production, funding of upstream operations and investments, gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery, refineries rehabilitation progress, reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources.”

They encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent, but said there is limited information on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity.

They pointed out that it has led to misleading commentary “Which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company.”

Those in attendance included Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Dr Jackson Gaius – Obaseki, Engr Funsho Kupolokun, Engr Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua, Engr Austen Oniwon and Engr Andrew Yakubu.