Nigeria has ramped up its campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta as it works toward boosting crude production to 3 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2025.
As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria depends on crude oil for approximately two-thirds of government revenue and over 90% of its foreign exchange earnings. However, widespread oil theft has significantly impacted the nation’s finances in recent years.
Currently, Nigeria’s official production is estimated at around 1.8 million bpd, well below the 2.06 million bpd forecast in next year’s budget.
To address the issue, the government launched “Operation Delta Sanity” (OPDS) last year, a joint initiative between the petroleum ministry and the Nigerian Navy. Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla announced that the operation has entered a strengthened second phase, incorporating armed drones, attack helicopters, and enhanced intelligence. These measures aim to push production beyond budget expectations to 3 million bpd.
“We’ve made significant progress,” Ogalla said during a Tuesday ceremony in Port Harcourt, the southern oil hub. “From 1.4 million bpd last year, we’ve increased to 1.8 million. With the new assets being deployed, I’m confident we’ll surpass our 2025 target.”
Junior Oil Minister Heineken Lokpobiri echoed this optimism, noting that daily output was just over 1 million bpd when he assumed office in August 2023. “The second phase of OPDS is critical in helping us achieve our production goal,” he said.
Efforts to bolster the crackdown include local support, such as the Rivers State Government’s recent donation of six gunboats to enhance naval operations in the region.