NUPRC seeks Defence Ministry support to secure oil infrastructure

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By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for deeper collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence to strengthen the protection of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure through non-kinetic security interventions.

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A statement by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the move followed a meeting between a Defence Ministry delegation and the Commission in Abuja, where both sides agreed to enhance cooperation aimed at safeguarding critical energy assets and sustaining crude oil production.

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Speaking at the meeting, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said sustained collaboration with security agencies had helped curb crude oil theft and improved the protection of oil facilities across the country.

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She noted that Nigeria recently recorded crude oil production of nearly 1.8 million barrels per day, attributing the improvement partly to strengthened security interventions.

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“As we look to the future, we desire to grow production and must have assurances that security threats can be effectively managed. We can only achieve this through stronger collaboration with security agencies and industry stakeholders,” she said.

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Eyesan added that there was a need for enhanced deployment of technology, including drone surveillance systems, to monitor Nigeria’s extensive oil and gas infrastructure.

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She said the commission would continue working with industry operators to refine security frameworks, strengthen coordination and ensure long-term sustainability of production assets.

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Representing the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Maj.-Gen. Ekubi, said the ministry was introducing a non-kinetic security strategy aimed at stabilising the upstream petroleum sector.

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He said the initiative would focus on community engagement, including sports-based youth empowerment programmes designed to address the root causes of insecurity in oil-producing areas.

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According to him, persons with disabilities would also be included in the programme to ensure broader social inclusion.

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The Defence Ministry said the initiative aligns with the host community development provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and is expected to promote peace, strengthen community relations and create alternative livelihoods for youths.

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The renewed partnership comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to boost crude oil production while addressing persistent threats of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

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