Highlight

NNPC Ltd. solicits EFCC’s support in crude oil theft fight

“I believe, personally, that the very purpose of your commission is to curtail economic crimes, and there is no bigger economic crime of this scale anywhere else than what is happening in this area"

673

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate to tackle the menace of crude oil theft in the country.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Mele Kyari, made the appeal at an interactive session with the EFCC’s Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday.

A statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Mr. Femi Soneye said Kyari spoke passionately about the efforts by NNPC Ltd. to eradicate corruption from its system and stem crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

He contended that, going by the volume of oil stolen daily and the brazenness with which the perpetrators operate, crude oil theft was the most humongous and virulent economic crime in Nigeria that must attract the attention of the EFCC.

He said, “As we continue to do our best to deepen transparency and stamp out corruption from the system, there is one big challenge that you will need to help us with, Mr. Chairman.

“The challenge is crude theft. It fits into everything you have said – the people, the asset, the opportunity, and the absence of deterrence.

“We have deactivated 6,409 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. Today, we have disconnected up to 4,846 illegal pipes connected to our pipelines; that is out of 5,543 such illegal connection points.

“That means there are a vast number of such connections that we have not removed.”

Kyari added: “These things don’t just happen out of the blues. They happen in communities and locations we all know. As we remove one illegal connection, another one comes up. It is sad, Mr. Chairman.

“This kind of thing does not happen anywhere else in the world. When we say illegal connections, they are not invisible things; they are big pipes that require some level of expertise to be installed. Some of them are of the same size as the trunk line itself.

“No one would produce crude oil knowing fully well that it is not going to get to the terminal. That is why nobody is putting money into the business. So, you can’t grow production.

“I believe, personally, that the very purpose of your commission is to curtail economic crimes, and there is no bigger economic crime of this scale anywhere else than what is happening in this area.”

On corruption within the system, Kyari explained that by law, NNPC Ltd. is required to maintain high ethical standards and has put in place structures and measures to curb discretionary actions that fuel corruption, stressing that most processes in the company have been fully automated to discourage arbitrary actions.

He disclosed that many issues of corruption reported to the public were either not true or recycled from the past.

In his presentation, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, a lawyer, expressed satisfaction with NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to issues of ethics and code of conduct.

He, however, challenged management to ensure that the codes of ethics and regulations are complemented with monitoring and enforcement to enhance deterrence.

The interactive session was at the instance of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Transcorp Group Achieves Remarkable Growth in 2024, Posts 107% Revenue Surge, 132% Profit-Before-Tax Increase

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate has...

NNPCL Clarifies Naira Crude Contract, Reaffirms Commitment to Domestic Refining

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has strongly denied reports that...

Just in: Alleged disorderly conduct: Court adjourns Natasha’s suit against Senate until March 25

Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit to stop the Senate investigation into her...

Natasha’s stunning beauty a liability, men find it difficult to ignore her presence – ex-Minister

Former Minister of Works, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, has ignited a fresh debate...

Rivers Gov. Fubara Gets Ultimatum: Resign or Face Impeachment, Says APC Chair Okocha

Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s fate is hanging in the balance after Tony...

Ogun Govt Commends Tinubu as FG Takes Over Tai Solarin University of Education

The Ogun State Government has commended the Federal Government for its decision...

FG Takes Over Ogun State-Owned Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode

The Federal Government has adopted and taken over the Tai Solarin University...

Rivers crisis: Fubara extends olive branch to 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, invites them for talks

Peace may be on the horizon in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi...

Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Clinches Gold Medal at Spanish Para Badminton International II

Nigeria’s paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji has secured another gold medal, extending...

Nigerian Community in South Africa Celebrates Flamingos’ Victory in 2025 U-17 WWC Qualifier

The Nigerian community in South Africa showed remarkable national pride and unity...

Senate’s action against Natasha blatantly anti-democratic – Tietie, CASER’s Executive Director

The six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked a heated debate...

Police Arrest Church Member Linked to Kidnapping of Two Reverend Fathers

For allegedly kidnapping two reverend fathers, a congregant of Catholic Dioceses Yola...

Liverpool’s Title March Continues as Salah’s Brilliance Sinks Southampton

Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continued on Saturday as...

FCT Police Commissioner Beefs Up Security in Guzape, Kpaduma, Nyanya Hills

⁰lllFCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu took proactive measures at the weekend to...

Flamingos Soar to 3-1 Victory Over Bantwana in U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, took a significant step towards qualifying for...

Nigerian Navy Cracks Down on Economic Saboteurs, Deactivates Illegal Refineries in Delta State

In a bold move to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism, personnel...

Natasha’s suspension due to disorderly conduct, not for sexual assault allegation – Senate Leader

Nigerians are weighing in on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, and Senate Leader...

Fido raises concerns over marketing team transparency, lack of access to revenue numbers

Rising music star Fido (real name Awosika Olayemi Josiah) has criticised his...

FCT Chief judge reassigns Nnamdi Kanu’s case to new judge

Nnamdi Kanu’s case has taken a new turn as the Chief Judge...

Ex-INEC Chairman, Prof.Jega, Appointed Presidential Adviser

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, a former...