2.5m BPD target: CDS meets NNPCL, NSA, oil producing states, IOCs, other stakeholders

.Vows to implement presidential directive

.We must  translate our oil and gas resources into better living conditions for   Nigerians-Kyari

CHIGOZIE AMADI

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa on Tuesday met with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the National Security Adviser (NSA), International Oil Companies, IOCs, Oil Producing States and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to reassess developments regarding the 2.5million barrel per day crude oil production target set by the President, Bola Tinubu.

The CDS meeting with the stakeholders in the oil and gas industry was held at the Python Officers’ Mess at the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in Bori Camp in Rivers State.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the crucial meeting, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa said the meeting was aimed at addressing the challenges affecting optimised oil production in the country and also forming a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and enhancing synergy between all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

General Musa explained that the meeting was also targeted at reassessing the activities in the Niger Delta especially as it affects oil and gas production in the country, stressing that oil production is critical for socio-economic development to thrive in the Country.

He said, “Last year you know we were here and we had a discussion. There’s been a remarkable improvement and we were able to achieve some elements of success, but not as we wished. This time around, we came here to assess what we have done rightly and what we have done wrongly and then, how best we can improve, and we have realised that we need to do more.

“The Defence Headquarters deemed it necessary to convene this forum in recognition of the intricate dynamics at play and the importance of effective stakeholder engagement to the sustenance of oil and gas operations in the Country.

“In the past, numerous factors significantly diminished our production output which had dire implications on our economy. However, recently, significant strides have been made towards ramping up our oil production as evident in our current output of over 1.8m BPD.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders here and I commend you all.

“The President has given us a mandate that we ensure that we hit 2.5million BPD and now that is our target. So, working together we have seen that we need to do more for all organisations, the security agencies, the private companies, the IOCs and the local companies that we need to work together and we have all committed ourselves to do that. We are going to have so much synergy and Nigerians will be proud with what will happen as we progress.”

The CDC said, the meeting also underscores the importance the stakeholders ascribe to a unified approach to mitigating the challenges preventing improved oil production in the country, while assuring that the 2.5million barrel per day production oil production is achievable.

He also appealed to community leaders and residents to support the government and security agencies, stressing that all hands must be on deck to achieve the target.

He said, “When I gave the 3 months ultimatum last year (2024), we had hit almost 1.7 then, but because of the nature of the environment, it fluctuates 1.8 to 1.7 BPD.

“We want to assure Nigerians that we are targeting 2.5 million barrels per day and we know we can do that. But again, we can not do it alone, we need Nigerians to cooperate with us especially the communities around those areas, they must understand that vandalising pipelines is not the best and it will not do any well. So we must all put hands together to ensure that we succeed.”

The Chief of Defense Staff also advocated for the use of non-kinetic approach in achieving the desired target.

“We have realised over time both in the Niger Delta and the North East, North West and North Central that non Kinetic efforts give us more success and why is that? It is because once the people have a buy-in to know that the facility is for them equally and they are the part of the success of it, they on their own will protect it and will not allow anybody to vandalise it. That is what we want to encourage them to understand.

“Together, we can attain our shared goal of 2.5m BPD production while ensuring that the Niger Delta region remains a beacon of resilience, opportunity, and peace for its people,” he said.

General Musa however, commended President Tinubu for his sterling leadership and relentless pursuit of national peace, security and economic prosperity.

He also expressed gratitude to the Niger Delta states and people of the region, as well as the Comd JTF SS OPDS for their warm hospitality and unwavering support in hosting this event.

Speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari commended the federal government and the CDS for convening the meeting and lauded the IOCs and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry for attending.

Kyari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President Gas, Power and Energy at the NNPCL, Olalekan Ogunleye expressed the commitment of the NNPCL to ensuring that the nation achieves the 2.5million BPD production target set by President Tinubu.

He said, “The reality is that not just NNPCL but, the entire country is great beneficiaries of the consistent focus being applied to the issue of driving oil and gas production. What is interesting is that we are seeing great synergy but we are all committed to this and we must do better.

“What is indisputable is that the way of production that we have launched in the NNPCL had been successful but again we are dissatisfied.

“2025 has to be that year where we all come together, close the gaps and we make sure that we are all working together and deliver on the promise of the Federal government to translate our oil and gas resources into better living conditions for the great people of Nigeria.

“So, this is the resolution of the NNPCL that we as an institution is committed to doing everything possible, working with the security forces to make sure that finally we draw the line and we drive up oil and gas production for the betterment of our people.”

Speaking further, the NNPCL Boss said, “Our refineries have started producing, and I think that issue is now clear and the country understands it. But again it is not about numbers because on a day, numbers can go up and down.

“The most important thing is that if you look at December to the end of January for example, we have production numbers that have not been seen in the past 3 years. But this is the beginning and not the end.

“The NNPCL will not rest, we will do everything possible, working with our professional security agencies and all security actors to make sure that finally this time we deliver on Mr President’s directive that our oil and gas access must translate to better living conditions for the benefit Of Nigerians.”

On his part, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of Energy Security, Office of the National Security Adviser, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, said, “We sincerely want to thank Chief of Defence Staff for his leadership role, we have seen a lot of improvement when it comes to the improvement of oil production in Nigeria.

“We are happy that the directive has been given and a new timeline and also we are looking at 2.5m BDP. So, I want to assure Nigerians that we will do everything possible to ensure that we meet up that target,” he said.