‘Increased revenue’ — CSO lauds Navy’s feats on crude oil theft

• Agabi praised Ogalla for his dedication to the Nigerian cause and his commitment to sustainable development in the Blue economy sector.
• He added that deployment of 10 warships, two helicopters, and 500 ballistic boats in a special amphibious exercise is a bold step towards securing national assets.

The Civil Centre on Security and Governance (CCSG) has praised the Nigerian Navy for its outstanding successes in the fight against crude oil theft and increasing government revenue.

The CCSG attributed these achievements to Emmanuel Ogalla, chief of naval staff’s leadership, adding that it has significantly “increased government revenue”

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Emmanuel Agabi, member of CCSG, said Ogalla launched innovative operations like Delta Sanity.

Agabi said the chief naval reorganized the Nigerian Navy’s forward operating bases in the Niger Delta, demonstrating exceptional commitment to tackling oil theft.

He added that deployment of 10 warships, two helicopters, and 500 ballistic boats in a special amphibious exercise is a bold step towards securing national assets.

The CCSG said “The results are impressive, Nigeria recorded its highest oil production in almost two years, with crude oil production rising from 1.08 million barrels per day in July 2023 to an average of 1.38 million barrels per day in January and February 2024, representing a 300,000-bpd increase.

“Additionally, Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export cargoes have increased from an average of 16 per month in 2023 to 21 monthly in the first quarter of 2024.

“The reduction in oil theft and illegal refining has led to a decrease in oil spills and environmental degradation, which has a positive impact on the livelihoods of people in the region.

“We commend the Nigerian Navy for their dedication and hard work in securing our national assets and increasing government revenue.

Agabi praised Ogalla for his dedication to the Nigerian cause and his commitment to sustainable development in the Blue economy sector.

“The success story of the Nigerian Navy in less than a year is impeccable, and the Civil Centre on Security and Governance identifies with the leadership of the Nigerian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, should be recognized for his unflinching passion and dedication, which has primarily been responsible for the operation successes of the Nigerian Navy in recent times.

“The Civil Centre on Security and Governance calls on all relevant stakeholders to extend their support to the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in addressing crude oil theft in the country. This is on the heels of the fact that the oil sector provides 95% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 80% of its budgetary revenues.”