The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that over 8,000 illegal refineries were dismantled within the last six months in its sustained campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region. This operation is part of a broader strategy by NNPCL to safeguard the country’s oil resources and curb economic losses and environmental damage caused by the activities of illegal refiners.
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with security agencies and local authorities, is seen as a significant step towards improving the integrity of Nigeria’s oil production and distribution system. These illegal refineries not only contribute to oil theft but also lead to extensive environmental degradation due to improper refining processes, which harm local ecosystems and communities.
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The destruction of these refineries highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of oil theft, which has long plagued Nigeria’s oil industry, resulting in significant financial losses. According to NNPCL, these operations are expected to continue as part of an ongoing effort to bring stability to the sector and ensure that Nigeria’s oil revenues are properly accounted for.
This achievement is a critical component of the broader security and economic measures aimed at ensuring the protection of national assets, improving oil production capacity, and sustaining the environment.
