In the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, a relentless battle persists against oil theft, challenging the efforts of both the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and various security forces. Despite an aggressive 18-month campaign involving militarization and the engagement of private security services to curb crude theft, the issue remains unabated. This stubborn problem has prompted calls from various stakeholders for a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture within the oil sector.
The situation has reached a critical point, highlighted by the unfortunate loss of 16 soldiers and six police officers in the region. Accusations fly, with some pointing fingers at the NNPC for allegedly diverting attention from the root causes of oil theft. While NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, acknowledges the involvement of Nigerian elites in these activities, prominent figures like Niger Delta Statesman Edwin Clark suggest that the NNPC and military might be complicit.
Despite the government and NNPC’s substantial investment in security measures, averaging N267.98 billion, oil production continues to fall short of budget benchmarks for the third consecutive year. This ongoing crisis is further exacerbated by a wider national security crisis, suggesting that oil facilities are not immune to the turmoil.
The deployment of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Niger Delta has yet to yield significant changes in the theft and vandalism of oil facilities. Even the hiring of former militant Tompolo’s company for N48 billion annually to protect oil installations has not stemmed the tide, with 2,426 theft incidents reported in just over two months.
Nigeria’s struggle to maintain oil production levels despite these measures is evident in the fluctuating daily output, which has seen slight improvements but still fails to meet the country’s budgetary benchmarks. This persistent failure underscores the complexity of addressing oil theft, driven by factors beyond simple criminality.
Stakeholders across the spectrum agree that a new strategy is urgently needed. Energy economist Ademola Henry Adigun emphasizes the need for fresh approaches, suggesting more community engagement. However, the consensus is that the current model of privatizing security for the oil sector is inadequate.
Critics like former Nigerian Society of Engineers (SPE) Chairman Joseph Nwakwue lament the loss of state capacity in securing oil facilities, advocating for a national security overhaul that emphasizes community-based approaches. Similarly, Professor Wunmi Iledare challenges the logic of contracting private security without prior experience, highlighting the necessity for expertise and technology in combating oil theft.
The militarization of oil field security has been criticized for its ineffectiveness and potential to exacerbate the situation. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, decries the approach as counterproductive, pointing out the lack of success in curbing oil theft and the adverse impact on the Niger Delta community.
The issue of oil theft in Nigeria is complex, intertwined with systemic failures, connivance, and perhaps a lack of political will to address the problem at its core. As stakeholders call for a reevaluation of strategies, the situation remains a glaring reflection of the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil sector and the broader implications for the country’s economy and security.
Source: The Guardian
