NNPC Uncovers 162 Illegal Pipeline Networks in N/Delta
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has discovered 162 illegal pipeline connections and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, mostly in Bayelsa in the last week.
This was disclosed in a documentary titled ‘war on crude oil theft’ by the company shared via its social media handle on Wednesday, stating that the illegalities were discovered using a maritime intelligence system.
According to the documentary, 93 illegal pipeline connections and 69 illegal refineries were discovered from Aboa and Gbokoda between July 15 and 21, which have been destroyed.
In the video documentary, the company explained that during the period, 27 pipelines were vandalised while wooden boats, trucks and those arrested were about 30, adding that the vandalised pipelines were being repaired.
Orji Ogbonnaya, executive secretary, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) revealed during a policy dialogue recently that Nigeria lost 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at N16.25 trillion ($46.16 billion) to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020.
Experts at various fora had said oil theft has had negative impacts on the oil and gas industry such as revenue leaks, and worsening disinvestment, among other things.
