Nigeria’s oil industry is grappling with an unprecedented crisis as over 5,000 illegal connections have been discovered on pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This shocking revelation was made public by the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCOMYCN) during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
The illegal activities, involving crude oil theft and pipeline tapping, were uncovered by a private security outfit tasked with monitoring the pipelines. Some pipeline stretches, particularly within a 100-kilometre radius, recorded as many as 300 unlawful insertions, raising serious concerns about the scale and sophistication of these operations.
“Our Resources Are Being Looted”
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, President of HOSTCOMYCN, painted a grim picture of the situation.
“Over 58 illegal tapping points were used by crude oil thieves in Delta and Bayelsa States,” he revealed. “We have also uncovered underwater pipelines connected to major export lines, including a four-kilometre illegal pipeline attached to the Trans Escravos line in Delta State.”
Pathfinder criticised the ease with which thieves operate, noting that 702 illegal connection points and nearly 1,800 illegal refinery cases had been recorded in recent months. He stressed that the scale of theft is endangering Nigeria’s economy, which relies heavily on oil revenues.
A Cry for Help and Reform
The HOSTCOMYCN president called for immediate government intervention to enforce stricter surveillance and ensure the safety of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets. He highlighted the critical need for the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF).
“Our goal is to advocate for the proper implementation of the 3% PIA allocation for host communities,” he said. “We are the eyes, ears, and strength of oil-producing communities, and we demand fairness and inclusiveness in decision-making processes.”
Pathfinder commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for re-awarding the Tantita Security Pipeline Surveillance Contract. He described the move as a significant step towards safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
“We believe the administration is on the right track, and we are hopeful that more achievements will follow in 2025,” he said.
The Scale of the Problem
HOSTCOMYCN’s report painted a damning picture of the challenges faced by the oil sector. The council disclosed that:
- 3,963 incidents of oil-related criminal activities were documented, including illegal connections, theft, and unauthorised refinery operations.
- 702 illegal connection points were recorded.
- 971 theft cases were identified.
- 1,784 illegal refinery activities led to the destruction of 3,063 illegal refinery sites.
The illegal activities are believed to be orchestrated by well-organised cartels operating in the Niger Delta, who have exploited gaps in surveillance to siphon crude oil undetected.
“A Threat to Nigeria’s Economy”
Experts have warned that crude oil theft poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economy. The country has been struggling to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota due to theft and vandalism.
The government has recently reported an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, with hopes of surpassing two million barrels by early 2025. However, this progress could be jeopardised if illegal activities continue unabated.
“Every barrel of oil stolen is a blow to Nigeria’s economy,” an industry expert said. “These crimes undermine efforts to stabilise the country’s finances and deprive citizens of critical revenues for development.”
Host Communities Take Action
The HOSTCOMYCN pledged to work closely with the government and security agencies to combat oil theft and ensure greater transparency in the sector.
“We are committed to ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit from their resources,” Pathfinder stated. “We applaud the government’s efforts so far, but we believe much more needs to be done to address this crisis.”
The council’s membership includes former Niger Delta agitators, environmental experts, civil society organisations, and media personnel, all united in their fight to protect Nigeria’s oil wealth.
The Role of Tantita Security
One of the key players in the fight against oil theft is Tantita Security, a private surveillance company contracted by the government. Tantita Security has been instrumental in uncovering the illegal activities and alerting authorities to the scale of the problem.
The re-awarding of the surveillance contract to Tantita Security has been hailed as a major victory for the sector. Pathfinder expressed confidence that the company’s efforts, combined with the support of host communities, would lead to a significant reduction in oil theft.
