Nigeria is doubling down on efforts to achieve its crude oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day, according to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
At a stakeholder meeting in Yenagoa organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu—represented by Director of Energy Mr. Amachree Young-Harry—affirmed the government’s commitment to combating pipeline vandalism and protecting critical oil infrastructure.
A special committee of investigators and prosecutors has reportedly been working behind the scenes, with over 100 suspects already brought to book, including 15 remanded recently in Port Harcourt.
Young-Harry stressed that achieving the national target would require a unified approach: “The President is determined to meet this goal, and it requires everyone’s cooperation.”
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, a consultant for PINL on community relations, said the company had made remarkable progress in securing the Trans Niger Pipeline.
He credited close collaboration with local communities, state security agencies, and stakeholders as key to reducing sabotage and theft.
He noted that through environmental efforts, economic support, and reliable compensation for surveillance teams, PINL has helped stabilize crude oil production and increase government revenue.
Ijaw National Congress President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming Ijaw support for Nigeria’s stability.
However, he voiced disapproval of the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) current provision of only three percent for host communities, calling it inadequate and urging both the government and oil companies to ensure fairness in implementation.
