Nigeria rallies security agencies, oil industry operators to achieve 2.5m bpd crude production

*General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, discloses the country’s security agencies and oil industry operators are currently working towards achieving a target of 2.5 million barrels per day in crude production, as set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the need for stakeholders to work together

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has disclosed the West African country’s security agencies and oil industry operators are working towards achieving a target of 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in crude production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.

General stated this after a high-level meeting with commanders of the Joint Task Force, international and local oil operators, as well as key stakeholders at the Python Officers’ Mess, 6 Division Headquarters, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff

ConsumerConnect reports the stakeholders’ meeting followed a similar engagement six months ago, during which the CDS issued a three-month ultimatum to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, and increase production to 2.2 million bpd.

Nonetheless, months after setting the target, the country’s crude oil output has remained at 1.8 million barrels per day, thereby prompting fresh discussions to review the status quo.

After a four-hour closed-door session, Gen. Musa briefed reporters on key resolutions of the industry stakeholders.

He also touched on the ongoing efforts at tackling oil theft and improve production levels in the region.

He stated: “After working together, we have seen that we need to do more for all organisations, the security agencies, the private companies, the IOCs, and the local companies, that we need to work together and we have all committed ourselves to doing that.

“We are going to have so much synergy, and Nigerians will be proud of what will happen, it’s not ongoing.”

Why crude production has remained 1.8m: CDS

In regard to factors keeping the oil production figures at 1.8 million barrels per day since the last briefing, Musa said:

“When I gave the three months’ ultimatum, we had hit almost 1.7 then.

“Now we have been doing, you know, as it is, because of the nature of the environment, it fluctuates, 1.8 comes down to 1.7.”

The CDS also explained: “We want to assure Nigerians that we are targeting 2.5. We know we can do that, but again, we can’t do it alone.

“We need Nigerians to cooperate, especially the communities around those areas.”

Representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) at the forum, expressed optimism.

The stakeholders also said the strategies outlined at the meeting could help Nigeria to attain the 2.5 million barrels per day target.

According to them, continued collaboration between Nigerian security forces and oil operators is essential to protecting energy infrastructure and increasing output in the oil and gas sector.