Minister of Defence, His Excellency, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, addressing top officers of Nigerian Army at 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
…Commends Troops For Sustained Onslaught Against Oil Thieves In Niger Delta
By ERIC MOORE
THE Minister of Defence, His Excellency, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has lauded the military for the sustained fight against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region, expressing optimism that the target of 2 million barrels per day oil production are achievable by December, 2024.
He stated this during his visit to the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, to encourage troops for their tremendous performance in protecting oil facilities.
The minister said efforts of the troops in the Niger Delta region were commendable because the sustained fight against oil saboteurs has increased oil production in the country.
Abubakar said: “I came for a visit to see our troops and to encourage them to continue to do the good job they’re doing around here; and also see what has been going on in the fight against crude oil theft in the region.
“Having gone through the detailed plan that was agreed by the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, it is work-in-progress. I don’t believe we will have to tell you what we are doing. But, certainly, you have seen the progress so far.
“The oil production has continued to increase; and I assure you before the end of the year, you will see tremendous increase in the oil production in this country.
“I believe we are now at around between 1.6 million to 1.7 million barrels as against 1.4 million barrels that we were on. And I believe by the end of the year, we will see ourselves around 2 million barrels or 1.9 million barrels.”
The minister expressed that, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, the CDS and service chiefs, oil production in the country would rise to 2.3 million barrels by middle of 2025.
Abubakar continued: “And by the middle of next year, God’s willing, we will be producing around 2.3 million barrels, with the arrangement I have seen in place, and with the efforts the armed forces are putting with the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs and, of course, with the encouragement and support of Mr. President.”