The Association of Nigeria Refinery and Petroleum Marketers (ANRPM) has called for collaboration with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to eliminate oil theft in the country. Highlighting issues such as youth restiveness, irregularities, exploitation, hoarding, artificial scarcity, adulterated products, and illegal bunkering, ANRPM also sought support from Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro, National Coordinator of Operation/Administration, revealed the discovery of 6,438 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta. He emphasized the challenges Nigeria faces in meeting its production targets due to widespread oil theft on its pipelines.
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Nwadiaro noted the extent of the damage, with 4,880 illegal connection points along 5,000 kilometers of pipeline. Despite the efforts of security agencies, many illegal connections remain undiscovered, compounding the issue. In 2023, Nigeria lost N2.3 trillion to oil theft, a figure higher than the projected revenue from crude oil and gas sales for 2024. Additionally, the country spent N34.47 billion between 2024 and the first half of 2022 to repair pipelines.
The ANRPM urged the NSA and the Presidential Amnesty Programme to collaborate with them in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the capacity to eradicate crude theft and improve the integrity of Nigeria's pipeline and refinery facilities.
