Nigeria, the giant of the African energy sector and a prominent OPEC member is facing the crisis of being the numero uno in production capacity, or losing it to pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and infrastructural deficiency.

 

With massive crude theft, illegal pipelines, leakages propelled by wrong parties, the country has commenced a war to restore investor confidence, trust, eradication of the menaces from crude and product thefts, vandalism, and corruption in the energy sector.

 

From Forcados Terminal, Escravos and various platforms and within the scopes of the Gulf Guinea, illegal pipelines, navigation of rogue vessels operated by Nigerians, foreign companies in partnership with miscreant operators abound the waters of Nigeria. This is a war propelled by never giving up creek operators, actors rumored to be protected by strong powers in the system and bourgeoises. An upheaval and sins known by many and hidden for many years, but now a pronounced action to expunge those years of sin.

 

With the numerous illegal pipeline findings and  stealing of products by Tombolo and his team at the creeks of Bayelsa and Delta, the Nigeria Navy and the recent interception by Tanti, a security contractor of NNPCL of 800,000 liters crude stolen by a vessel owned by Holab Maritime , heading to Cameroon speaks a lot, that it is apt for stringent controls, regulations, security enhancement, and effective policies allied with corruption eradication to develop the economy and restore integrity.

 

Crude oil has been a huge revenue earner for the country and may have made their wealth through the crude oil business. It is like you are half dead if you are not in the oil and gas business in Nigeria and the same sector is saddled with corruption. Therefore, the political willpower to minimize corruption, ensure the rule of law, and implement policies are needed in this current pursuit to combat stealing of products, installing illegal pipelines and massive vandalism. Then comes the application of protective technology and security of various forms. The future of Nigerian pipeline system as a significant producer in the region is not questionable.