NNPCL Uncovers Over 122 More Illegal Oil Refining Sites in the Niger Delta

In a major crackdown over the past week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) discovered 122 illegal oil refineries across the Niger Delta region. These huge discoveries indicate the seriousness of the problem of oil theft and pipeline vandalization in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.

Key Findings and Actions

The NNPCL reported it identified and destroyed 65 unauthorized pipeline connections in Rivers and other states within the Niger Delta. Over 310 such incidents were recorded between May 18 and May 24.

A gas station in Akwa Ibom State was shut down for distributing illegally refined fuel. Another illegal fuel-selling station was discovered at Grey Creek, also in Akwa Ibom State.

In Delta and Imo states, 20 vehicles, including a tanker, were confiscated. Across Bayelsa and Delta states, 29 boats transporting crude oil or illegally refined products were seized. A total of 33 suspects were arrested in connection with these activities.

At least 122 illegal refineries were identified at different locations at Tomble II, III, IV, Umuajuloke in Rivers State, and Oporomor III, Eduwini, and Ajatiton in Bayelsa State.

Five illegal storage sites were discovered where oil was stored in various unconventional containers, including sacks, pits, and cans.

Implications and NNPCL’s Response

The NNPCL’s ongoing efforts to dismantle these illegal operations are part of a bigger plan to stop oil theft and enhance security within the oil and gas sector. Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari raised the issue of insecurity as a hinderance to oil productivity in the region. 

]”How do you increase oil production? Remove the security challenge we have in our onshore assets. The security challenge is real; it’s not just about theft, but the availability of the infrastructure to deliver the volume to the market“, Kyari said.

More Efforts Needed

Over the past two years, the NNPCL has removed more than 5,800 illegal connections from its pipelines and dismantled over 6,000 illegal refineries. Despite these efforts, the problem persists, affecting the nation’s crude oil production and market delivery.

Kyari said that these security issues hinder investment in oil production, noting, “No one will put money into oil production when he knows the production will not get to the market. We removed over 5,800 illegal connections from our pipelines within the last two years. We took down over 6,000 illegal refineries. You cannot get people to put money until you solve that problem,” he said.

The NNPCL’s recent discoveries show how pervasive the menace of illegal oil activities is in the region. To end it, analysts have advised that the government deploy honest, uncompromising security personnel, improve infrastructure, strictly enforce regulations, increase community engagement, promote alternative livelihoods for the locals, and ensure those still found culpable are rigorously prosecuted as a deterrent to others.

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