NNPCL Boss Links Crude Oil Theft to International Syndicates

According to the NNPCL boss, many of the theft operations are enabled by international syndicates that
possess the technical expertise and resources to move stolen crude undetected. These groups often rely
on forged documentation, secret offshore transactions, and complicit actors in the oil and maritime industry.

Ojulari revealed that investigations have shown stolen crude oil is frequently shipped to countries outside
Africa, where it is processed and blended into global supply chains. This makes detection and prosecution
difficult, as the crude loses its traceability once it enters international markets.

While the international syndicates drive the trade, local collaboration has remained a major enabler.
Security lapses, poor surveillance of oil infrastructure, and complicity by certain industry insiders
provide opportunities for the criminal networks to thrive.

Ojulari acknowledged that without local participation, international actors would find it difficult to
penetrate the system. He stressed the urgent need for stronger cooperation between government agencies,
host communities, and the private sector in combating the menace.

The Nigerian government has in recent years intensified efforts to tackle crude oil theft through
increased surveillance, deployment of technology such as drones, and partnerships with security forces.
The NNPCL has also signed agreements with security contractors and community stakeholders to monitor
vulnerable oil-producing areas.

Despite these efforts, the scale of theft has remained alarming. Official figures suggest that Nigeria
loses hundreds of thousands of barrels daily, translating into billions of dollars in lost revenue.
This loss continues to cripple government budgets and affect public services, as oil revenues fund a
significant portion of national spending.

Analysts warn that the involvement of international syndicates in crude oil theft has broader implications
beyond Nigeria. It destabilizes global energy markets, encourages criminal financing, and undermines
international anti-smuggling frameworks. The rise of these transnational criminal networks highlights
the need for coordinated international action, intelligence sharing, and tighter maritime regulations.

Ojulari urged foreign governments and international organizations to collaborate with Nigeria in addressing
the problem. He argued that as long as stolen crude finds ready buyers in international markets, the cycle
of theft would continue. He called for stricter monitoring of crude oil shipments, enforcement of global
anti-smuggling conventions, and sanctions against companies and individuals found to be complicit.

Going forward, experts suggest that Nigeria must combine technological innovation with political will to
defeat oil theft. Enhanced satellite monitoring, blockchain-based tracking of crude, and improved border
controls could go a long way in reducing theft. At the same time, tackling corruption within security agencies
and the oil industry remains critical.

The NNPCL boss expressed optimism that with sustained commitment, both locally and internationally, the
problem could be significantly reduced. He reaffirmed that crude oil theft is not only an economic issue
but also a matter of national security that threatens Nigeria’s stability and sovereignty.