Nigeria's Intensified Crackdown on Oil Theft to Boost Production

Nigeria has intensified its efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, aiming to increase oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2025. The government, with the aid of the Nigerian navy, has bolstered operations with advanced technology and reinforcements to achieve this target.

Nigeria has intensified its measures to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, with the ambition of increasing national oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2025.

As Africa's leading oil producer, Nigeria relies heavily on oil for approximately two-thirds of its state revenue and more than 90% of its foreign currency earnings. Recent years have seen economic challenges due to large-scale oil theft, impacting government finances. The country currently projects oil output at around 2.06 million barrels per day in its budget for next year, though actual production stands at around 1.8 million bpd, per official reports.

The enhanced crackdown operation, known as Delta Sanity (OPDS), was initiated last year by the petroleum ministry alongside the Nigerian navy. A strengthened second phase includes armed drones, attack helicopters, and increased intelligence, which are expected to potentially increase oil production to 3 million bpd. “We are confident that with all the assets at our disposal, we will meet and potentially exceed this target,” Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla said. Additionally, the Rivers State Government has supplied six gunboats to intensify these efforts.