NNPCL Discovers 63 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the discovery and confiscation of products from 63 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

This revelation was made public through a documentary released by the oil company on August 15th, 2024, highlighting the ongoing battle against crude oil theft in the country.

The illegal refineries were discovered in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States. Additionally, a vandalized and barricaded oil wellhead was uncovered in Bayelsa State.

The NNPCL further disclosed that during the week under review, 19 illegal pipeline connections were recovered, and repairs were carried out at different locations in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Seventeen vehicles and fifteen wooden boats carrying stolen crude oil were seized in communities across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. Sixteen suspects were arrested in connection with these incidents.

This discovery comes amidst mounting concerns over the delay in the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Despite assurances from NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, that the refinery would begin operations in early August, it remains inactive as the month approaches its end.

Kyari had previously assured the Senate in July that the Port Harcourt Refinery would be operational by early August, with the Kaduna and Warri Refineries expected to follow by December.

He confidently declared, "I can confirm to you, Mr Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products." However, there has been no official explanation from the NNPCL regarding the latest delay.

The ongoing issues surrounding crude oil theft have also drawn criticisms from prominent figures, including billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu. In a recent interview with the Financial Times of London, Elumelu expressed frustration over the inability of the government and security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

He revealed that oil thieves continue to siphon off 18 percent of the crude produced from his field, stating, "This is oil theft; we are not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke that you can put in your pocket. The government should know; they should tell us."