Govt targets 3mbpd oil production — Lokpobiri
The Federal Government is banking on its collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to achieve its three million barrels per day (mbpd) in crude oil production target by next year.
Nigeria’s current output stands at approximately 1.8 mbpd, a significant increase from the 1.4 mbpd recorded in 2023.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, unveiled the ambitious plan yesterday during the launch of the second phase of Operation Delta Sanity II (OPDS II) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Lokpobiri noted that the initial phase of OPDS, launched on January 10, had contributed to the improved production figures, prompting the Nigerian Navy to proceed with the second phase.
“In August 2023, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production was barely a million bpd. Currently, the nation produces about 1.8 mbpd.
“Our target is to reach three mbpd by 2025, and we are confident that the second phase of OPDS will play a key role in achieving this milestone.”
He emphasised the pivotal role of the Nigerian Navy in ensuring security, stating that it would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Despite these efforts, Lokpobiri expressed concern about the persistent sabotage of the Trans Niger Pipeline.
He said, “The Trans Niger Pipeline remains a major challenge, with criminals breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil.
“However, the Nigerian Navy has pledged to intensify its efforts to protect these national assets, building on its successes in 2024.”
The minister underscored the broader implications of curbing oil theft, highlighting the potential for increased government revenue and enhanced allocations to states and local governments.
He called on security agencies, maritime contractors, monarchs and local youths to support the navy’s efforts.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed optimism about the feasibility of reaching the three mbpd production target.
He stated that OPDS was specifically designed to address oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes, ensuring a secure environment for legitimate operations.
The Naval boss said, “The initial phase of the OPDS led to numerous arrests of vessels and oil thieves, as well as the dismantling of several illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta.
“These measures resulted in significant improvements in legitimate maritime activities and boosted crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting 100 percent terminal factor.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla explained that the navy saw the need to refine the operation to achieve even better outcomes.
He said, “Rejigging the operation involves deploying newly acquired maritime domain awareness infrastructure, attack helicopters, armed drones, and enhanced intelligence-gathering systems.
“We are also incorporating non-kinetic approaches and strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to sustain and increase crude oil production beyond 2 million bpd, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.”
