FG, Navy Set Sights on 3 Million bpd Oil Production by 2025 – Lokpobiri
The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to boost Nigeria’s crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2025, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
Nigeria currently produces approximately 1.8 million bpd, a notable improvement from the 1.4 million bpd recorded in 2023. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, announced this during the launch of Operation Delta Sanity II (OPDS II) in Port Harcourt on December 30, 2024.
Lokpobiri highlighted the success of the first phase of OPDS, launched earlier this year, which significantly boosted oil production. Encouraged by these results, the Nigerian Navy has rolled out the second phase of the operation.
“In August 2023, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production was just around a million bpd. Today, we produce about 1.8 million bpd. With the implementation of OPDS II, we are confident we can reach 3 million bpd by 2025,” Lokpobiri stated.
He acknowledged the critical role of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the country’s oil assets and ensuring production stability. However, he expressed concerns about persistent challenges, particularly the sabotage of the Trans Niger Pipeline by oil thieves.
“The Trans Niger Pipeline remains a major target for criminals. The Nigerian Navy, however, has pledged to ramp up efforts to protect these critical assets, leveraging the successes recorded in 2024,” Lokpobiri added.
He further underscored the economic implications of combating oil theft, noting that increased crude production would enhance government revenues and boost allocations to states and local governments. Lokpobiri called on security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to support the navy’s efforts.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed optimism about achieving the 3 million bpd target. He reiterated the navy’s commitment to addressing oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes through Operation Delta Sanity.
“The first phase of OPDS saw the arrest of vessels and oil thieves, dismantling of illegal refineries, and improvements in legitimate maritime operations. These efforts helped boost crude oil production, with some oil companies achieving 100% terminal factor,” Ogalla noted.
To strengthen OPDS II, the navy plans to deploy advanced tools, including maritime domain awareness systems, attack helicopters, armed drones, and enhanced intelligence-gathering mechanisms. Additionally, the operation will incorporate non-kinetic strategies and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, provided a summary of achievements during the first phase of OPDS. These included the arrest of 215 suspects, the destruction of 468 illegal refineries, and the seizure of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of adulterated diesel.
“Furthermore, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks were deactivated, while 26 vessels were apprehended,” Akinwande reported.
The Federal Government and the Nigerian Navy remain confident that these enhanced efforts will stabilise oil production and operations in the Niger Delta, paving the way for sustainable growth by 2025.
Source: Environ News
