The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed optimism that its 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd) crude oil production target for 2026 is achievable. The company emphasized that continued protection and surveillance of critical oil infrastructure, especially the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), will be key to meeting the ambitious target.
Engineer Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, shared this assurance during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting with host communities of the TNP in Bayelsa State. The event, organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), highlighted collaboration between the company and local communities to safeguard oil assets.
While the official budget benchmark for 2026 stands at 1.84 million bpd, NNPCL’s projection of 2.06 million bpd is considered realistic due to improved security measures and effective community engagement. “With the synergy we are seeing in Bayelsa and other PINL-coordinated areas, the target is achievable,” Omojevwhe said, attributing progress to cooperation from traditional rulers, youth leaders, women leaders, and Community Development Committees (CDCs).
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL, noted that further investment from the government and international oil companies in local infrastructure would help reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft. He highlighted the company’s initiatives, including expanded security coverage, human capacity development, grassroots communication through the Town Crier Initiative, and zero incidents of illegal bunkering in secured areas.
The meeting also received commendation from the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone. Chief Moses Theophilus and Dr. Omonineke Kemelayefagha praised PINL’s efforts in reducing vandalism, oil theft, and environmental pollution, pledging continued support for operations aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and sabotage in the Niger Delta.
source: daily trust