In a bold move to revitalize Nigeria’s oil sector and boost national revenue, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a daily crude oil production target of 2.5 million barrels. This development was revealed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during a high-level stakeholders meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Friday.
The meeting, organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), focused on evaluating the company’s operations along the strategic Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP)—a vital asset in Nigeria’s oil distribution network.
Represented by the Director of Energy at the NSA’s office, Amachree Young-Harry, Ribadu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is leaving no stone unturned in addressing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have significantly hindered Nigeria’s ability to meet its production potential in recent years.
“The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels per day target, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal. Success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved,” Ribadu stated.
The NSA disclosed that a special committee has been constituted to investigate and prosecute offenders responsible for oil-related crimes. Over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with at least 15 recently remanded in Port Harcourt prison. This intensified crackdown forms part of a broader national strategy to secure oil infrastructure and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector.
During the engagement, the PINL Community Relations Consultant, Akpos Mezeh, highlighted the company’s achievements in safeguarding the TNP through robust partnerships with host communities, government security forces, and civil stakeholders. According to Mezeh, this collaboration has led to a drastic reduction in pipeline vandalism and crude theft, boosting national output and earnings.
“By investing in community development, resolving disputes proactively, and supporting environmental remediation, PINL has been able to foster trust. The result has been near-zero infractions along the TNP and renewed investor confidence,” he said.
The success of PINL’s model underscores the critical role of local engagement in securing vital economic infrastructure, a point repeatedly echoed during the meeting.
The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, used the opportunity to reiterate the support of Niger Delta communities for Nigeria’s unity and economic stability. He applauded the efforts of local security initiatives but expressed strong dissatisfaction with current benefits accruing to oil-producing communities.
Okaba specifically criticized the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allocates just three percent of oil company operating expenses to host communities. He described the provision as a gross injustice and called for an immediate review to ensure that local populations benefit meaningfully from the wealth extracted from their lands.
“The three percent allocation is an insult. If the government truly values host communities as partners in progress, it must renegotiate these terms and fully respect them moving forward,” Okaba asserted.
With the Nigerian government aiming to ramp up production to 2.5 million barrels per day—far above the current average of just over 1.4 million barrels—stakeholders believe stronger cooperation between federal authorities, oil firms, and host communities is essential.
The renewed commitment to infrastructure protection, improved prosecution of oil thieves, and potential policy reforms could signal a turnaround for Nigeria’s struggling oil sector. Given the centrality of crude oil to Nigeria’s foreign earnings and national budget, this ambitious target may not only stabilize the economy but also restore confidence among international investors and local stakeholders alike.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to reach its oil production goals, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether security, legislative alignment, and community integration can truly transform the sector.