Eradicate oil theft before May 29— Buhari tasks Nigerian Armed Forces

…As NNPC debunks illegal export of 17.877 million barrels of crude oil

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the Nigerian Armed Forces, comprising the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to double-up efforts to eradicate the menace of oil theft in the Country before his exit from office in May.

Although the President noted that recent efforts by the Armed Forces have recorded onslaught against oil theft criminals which has secured the nation’s oil facilities and have improved production beyond the shortfalls of 1.4 million barrel per day, below the quota of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the Country, yet he said the Armed Forces must do more since they have not recorded a 100percent feat.

The President who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Hon. Timipri Silver, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, while addressing officers and men of the Nigeria Army, Navy and Air Force during a visit to security formations in the State to re-assess the ongoing fight against oil theft, commended the military for their efforts in combating the menace, but charged them not to rest yet on their oars while the fight is still on.

He said the fight has not recorded 100 per cent victory, and that though the gains of the war have seen significant success, yet the war must be won 100 percent before his exit in May.

He said, “A few months ago I led a high powered team to charge you to ensure there is no more stealing of our crude oil. This is a national asset. Mr President has vowed no tolerance for stealing of the national asset.

“I am happy to announce that I am back again with commendation from the president. He (Buhari) has acknowledge the efforts you have made. There is significant improvement in the crude oil production, Nigerians have noticed, the international community have noticed.

“Since then, we have seen significant improvement which means you took the charge seriously. Today, he (Buhari) sent us for commendation that you are doing well for the nation.

“You have not eradicated it 100 per cent, but it has reduced drastically. Double your efforts so that before the exit of Mr President, we (would) have completely eradicated that.

“It is not time to rest in our oars. Ensure that stealing of oil is 100 per cent eradicated in Nigeria and the Niger Delta. We urge you to redouble efforts in completing the job of ending oil theft.

“This should be a morale booster. I leave you at the moment, but we will be coming time to time. We are happy that we have made significant improvement in the fight.”

Speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, noting that the fight was on the right side, said, “Few months ago with a charge from President on the challenge in the Niger Delta, especially in the oil and gas to evaluate what has happened on where we were, where we are now and where we ought to be, our crude production was going low, but we have observed that we are on the right side. There is a decline in oil theft.”

…NNPC debunks illegal export of 17.877 million barrels of crude oil

Meanwhile,  the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has denied exporting 17.877 million barrels of crude oil without proper documentation from 2016 to 2020.

The Company responded to a report, which quoted the former Auditor-General of the federation (AuGF), claiming that some exporters shipped crude oil without completing Nigeria’s export proceeds (NXP) forms.

The AuGF was said to have also alleged that NNPC Limited appointed inspection agents in 2017, without regard to a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement on Thursday signed by its Spokesperson, Garba Deen Muhammad, the NNPC Limited said the AuGF’s report mentioned 32 oil marketing companies involved in the non-completion of NXP forms.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication, alleging that NNPC Limited exported 17.877 million barrels of crude oil without proper documentation in four years (2016 to 2020).

“The Auditor General’s report in reference did mention 32 oil marketing companies involved in the non-completion of the NXP forms; but that does not in any way mean that the proceeds from the sale of the said crude were not repatriated into the coffers of NNPC and consequently into Federation Accounts for Federation related barrels.

“It should also be noted that NNPC does not appoint Inspection Agents as alleged, but rather, it is the sole responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

“Therefore, the general public is advised to disregard the said malicious publication, and instead visit the relevant Auditor General’s website to see the full content of the audit report, and be guided accordingly.”