Nigeria: NNPCL Uncovers 122 Illegal Oil Refineries in One Week

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has discovered 122 illegal oil refineries in the Niger Delta region over the past week. A recent documentary released by the NNPCL highlights the organization's efforts in combating oil theft and vandalism.

 

Within the last seven days, 65 illegal pipeline connections were identified and removed in Rivers and other states within the Niger Delta. A total of 310 incidents were recorded between May 18 and 24.

 

One significant discovery was a filling station in Grey Creek, Akwa Ibom State, which was sealed for selling illegally refined fuel. The illegal refineries were located in various areas, including Tomble II, III, IV, and Umuajuloke in Rivers State, as well as Oporomor III, Eduwini, and Ajatiton in Bayelsa State. Additionally, vandalized wellheads were found in Tomble IV, Rivers, and Egbema in Imo State.

 

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, emphasized the importance of tackling oil theft to increase crude oil production and revenue. He pointed out that over the past two years, the NNPCL has removed more than 5,800 illegal connections from pipelines and dismantled over 6,000 illegal refineries. Kyari stated, "No one is going to put money into oil production when they know the production will not get to the market. You simply cannot get people to invest until you solve that problem."

 

This ongoing crackdown is crucial for securing investments and ensuring that Nigeria's oil production reaches the market efficiently.