Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1.352 million barrels per day in August from 1.307mbpd in July 2024.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries disclosed this in its September Monthly Oil Market Report.
Further analysis showed that the average daily crude production rose marginally by 45,000 barrels per day, based on information obtained through direct communication with the Nigerian government
This is as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa reiterated commitment to achieving the 2.2mbpd crude production target by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government by December 2024.
The CDS made this known during a visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Consequently, he announced the creation of two key committees, the Defence Joint Monitoring Team and the Defence Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre.
According to him, these bodies, set up by Defence Headquarters, are to work in coordination with other military units and state governments to address the ongoing problem of oil theft.
“For us to achieve the mandate given by the Commander-in-Chief, we need to approach things differently,” Musa said.
He noted that while Operation Delta Safe ensures coordination between security forces under the Joint Task Force, the Monitoring Team is tasked with identifying weaknesses and proposing ways to close operational gaps.
He said the Infusion Centre will streamline intelligence on oil theft and other criminal activities, ensuring swift action to maintain peace and security in the region.
General Musa commended Governor Fubara for fostering a peaceful environment in Rivers State, noting that this has allowed the Armed Forces to carry out their duties without hindrance.
“We are grateful for your leadership and support, which has allowed us to maintain peace and advance development,” Musa said.