Nigeria steps up crackdown on oil theft as it targets 3 million bpd production

Nigeria has stepped up its drive to crack down on oil theft in the Niger Delta region as it aims to increase national production to 3 million barrels per day in 2025.

Africa's top oil producer, which relies on the commodity for around two-thirds of state revenue and more than 90% of foreign currency earnings, has been hit by large-scale oil theft that has curbed government finances in recent years.

While the government estimates oil output at around 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd) in next year's budget, actual production hovers around 1.8 million bpd, according to official figures.

The operation to crack down on oil theft, code-named Delta Sanity (OPDS), was launched last year by the petroleum ministry and the Nigerian navy. Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla said OPDS has now been bolstered in a second phase with armed drones, attack helicopters, increased intelligence and other reinforcements which could push up oil production above the budget estimate to 3 million bpd.

"If you look at where we were last year, when we launched this operation, we were about 1.4 million bpd. We have now gone to 1.8 million.

"I believe that with all the assets that we are bringing on board, we are definitely going to meet that target and surpass it," Ogalla said in a statement on Tuesday after the operation's flag-off in the southern oil hub of Port Harcourt in Rivers state.

Junior oil minister Heineken Lokpobiri said Nigeria's average daily oil output was only a little above 1 million bpd when he came into office in August 2023.

"Our target is to reach 3 million bpd by 2025 and we are confident that the second phase of OPDS will play a key role in achieving this milestone."

Last month, Rivers State Government donated six gunboats to the Navy to boost its operation against oil theft in the region.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

Related story: A plan to win the war against oil theft in Nigeria

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The country endured record-high inflation and severe flooding that exacerbated food insecurity.

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Starlink Increases Subscription Prices in Nigeria

Starlink will implement its revised pricing structure in Nigeria, following regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This move follows an earlier attempt by the provider to adjust tariffs on October 1, 2024, which was halted due to regulatory concerns by the NCC.

The NCC had expressed concerns over Starlink’s unilateral decision to increase subscription fees without prior regulatory approval. The NCC noted that the October 2024 adjustment violated established protocols. Following this Starlink had suspended the changes temporarily.

In an email to subscribers, the company once again announced the revised pricing model effective immediately. Residential subscriptions have been increased from NGN 38,000 ($24.6) to NGN 75,000 ($48.6). Mobile regional plan (Roam Unlimited) will now cost NGN 167,000 ($108.3) per month, instead of NGN 49,000 ($31.8). Mobile global roaming service isnow priced at NGN 717,000 ($464.8) monthly.

The revised tariffs mirror those proposed in the October 2024 announcement and follow proper regulatory channels, addressing concerns raised by NCC. The structured implementation allows immediate application for new subscribers while giving existing customers a transition period until their next billing cycle.

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Related story: Starlink suspends new orders across Nigeria

Video - Weak economy in Nigeria dampening festive spirit, hurting retailers

Record inflation, a petrol subsidy removal, the devaluation of the local currency, and several other issues combined to keep shoppers at home and cash registers quiet during the holiday season.

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Nigeria probes Christmas Day airstrike that killed 10

Nigerian authorities in northwest Sokoto state launched a probe Thursday into a Christmas Day airstrike by the military that killed at least 10 people.

Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu said in a statement he's in talks with the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the airstrike on early Wednesday.

The military said in a statement Wednesday it was targeting the terror group Lakurawa in the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, but Aliyu said the attack “claimed the lives of innocent citizens.” State authorities said 10 people were killed and many others injured.

Aliyu extended his condolences to the victims' families and pledged to support them with cash and food.

The incident is the latest in a series of accidental strikes in recent years, raising concerns among human rights groups, including Amnesty International.

"This is yet another sign that the Nigerian military has not changed, and they have not learned a lesson from previous airstrikes that killed civilians,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty’s country director in Nigeria. “I believe that they have to review their procedures, they have to investigate these incidents thoroughly, and they have to find a way to end this reckless deadly use of force.

The military said that it did not target civilians and that it took necessary measures to avoid such accidents.

The Nigerian Air Force said it will investigate.

Nigeria has been waging deadly wars against terrorists, armed gangs and separatists for years, but accidents have been recurring.

Last December, a military airstrike that hit Tudun Biri village in northern Kaduna state killed more than 120 people.

In September, another airstrike in Kaduna killed 24 people.

Nigerian authorities have promised to be more cautious, but in a Christmas broadcast, Nigerian Air Staff Chief Hassan Abubakar said, "To every member of the Nigerian Air Force family, I want to especially thank you for your unwavering dedication, resilience and sacrifice in service of our great nation. Your commitment and professionalism have been instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of our beloved country."

In November, Nigerian authorities announced the emergence of the Lakurawa sect in the northwest and said security forces were tracking the group's activities.

By Timothy Obiezu, VOA