…uncovers 12 illegal refineries
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Tuesday said it is a major contributor to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye disclosed this in Abuja at the NNPCL workshop/engagement session with selected Kannywood Artistes.
He said, “NNPC Ltd is at the heart of Nigeria’s energy security, standing as one of the major contributors to the national grid. Our commitment to power generation is evident in our investments in key facilities.
“Currently, we operate the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a wholly owned facility providing essential electricity to the region.
“Additionally, we co-own two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2—with a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts.”
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The facilities, according to him, play a crucial role in ensuring stable electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the country.
He urged the Artistes to help create awareness for the protection of the national energy assets.
He said the engagement was basically to seek the Kannywood partnership that can help create skits that educate the public to desist from the vandalism of the country’s energy assets.
Soneye said, “Now, imagine if these critical assets were damaged or destroyed by vandals—entire communities would be plunged into darkness, businesses would suffer, and the economy would take a devastating hit.
“This is why we need your voices to amplify this message: Safeguarding our national assets is safeguarding our future!”
According to him, the NNPCL is desirous of strengthening national security for energy sustainability and energy growth.
He further noted that the national oil company needs the partnership of Kannywood in raising awareness and fostering a spirit of patriotism culture among the citizenry.
He informed the Artistes that, “You are not just actors—you are powerful influencers whose voices shape public opinion. That is why I am calling on you today to use your platforms to advocate for the protection of our national assets, particularly those managed by NNPC Ltd.”
Tasking them on a campaign against vandalism, Soneye said, “Vandalism of critical infrastructure—including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations—poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development.
“We must all play our part in educating the public about the dangers of such acts. As respected figures in society, you have the influence to drive this message home.”
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari, Chief of Defence Staff, for Christopher Musa for the support for the battle against vandalism.
“Under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, the NNPC Ltd management team has implemented strategic actions that have significantly enhanced the security of our national assets, delivering unprecedented results never before seen in the sector.
“These achievements have been made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We also extend our deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the military, and all law enforcement agencies for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Manager of NNPC’s Command and Control Center, Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Murtala Mohammed, revealed that the company has uncovered 12 new illegal pipeline connections in one week.
He said it brought the total number of illegal connections to 7,015 as of February 10, 2025.
Mohammed’s presentation, titled “An Insight into NNPC’s War Against Crude Oil Theft,” highlighted the company’s efforts to combat oil theft.
The oil theft has significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil production capacity, currently standing at 1.7 billion barrels per day.
According to Mohammed , most of the stolen crude is refined locally, while some is transported out of the country.
He added that 2,849 suspects have been arrested in connection with oil theft and 1,467 trucks loaded with stolen crude oil have been recovered.
The company also said it has repaired 3,100 vandalized pipelines.
Giving further details Mohammed noted that there are 9,332 illegal refineries operating in the country as of February 10, 2025 while the 7,015 illegal connections has been destroyed.
