Oil Production Boost: CDS Rallies Stakeholders to Achieve 2.5 Million Barrels Daily Target

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) mobilizes key stakeholders to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day, aiming to strengthen the nation’s economy.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has announced that security agencies and oil industry operators are collaborating to meet Nigeria’s target of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day, a goal established by President Bola Tinubu.

He revealed this following a high-level meeting with commanders of the Joint Task Force, international and local oil operators, and key stakeholders at the Python Officers’ Mess in the 6 Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The meeting was a continuation of discussions from six months prior, when General Musa set a three-month deadline to reduce oil theft in the Niger Delta and boost production to 2.2 million barrels per day. Despite these efforts, production has held steady at 1.8 million barrels per day, leading to renewed talks.

Following a four-hour closed-door meeting, the Defence Chief updated journalists on important resolutions, highlighting continuous efforts to address oil theft and enhance production levels.

“Through our collaboration, we’ve realized the necessity to extend more efforts toward all organizations, including security agencies, private companies, IOCs, and local businesses. We’ve pledged ourselves to this joint effort. Our synergy will be significant enough that Nigerians can take pride in what we achieve together,” he explained.

In response to inquiries about why production figures have held steady at 1.8 million barrels per day since the previous briefing, General Musa provided an explanation for the fluctuations that have occurred.

“When I issued the three-month ultimatum, our production was nearly at 1.7 million barrels per day. Currently, due to environmental factors causing fluctuations, we’re seeing levels between 1.8 and down again to 1.7 million barrels per day. We want to assure Nigerians that we are aiming for a target of 2.5 million barrels per day; however, achieving this goal requires collaboration from everyone involved—especially those in communities near these areas.”

Representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Office of the National Security Adviser conveyed optimism, suggesting that the strategies discussed during the meeting could enable Nigeria to reach its target of producing 2.5 million barrels per day.

Stakeholders maintain that ongoing cooperation between security forces and oil operators is crucial for safeguarding energy infrastructure and enhancing production.