*CSO Lauds Nigerian Navy’s Outstanding Successes Against Crude Oil Theft*

***increased revenue for Nigeria

The Civil Centre on Security and Governance (CCSG) has appplauded the Nigerian Navy for its dedication and commitment to securing national assets and increasing government revenue.

The Centre gave the commendation after a systematic assessment of the efforts of the Navy in addressing the malaise of oil theft that has affected the country's fortunes tremendously.

According to the Centre, the recent successes in the war against oil theft are a testament to the leadership and commitment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and the bravery and dedication of the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Emmanuel Agabi said the Chief of Naval Staff has introduced extraordinary operations such as Delta Sanity and went the extra mile to rejig the Forward Operating Bases of the Nigerian Navy in the Niger Delta region.

Agabi added that the deployment of ten warships, two attack helicopters, and 500 ballistic boats in a special amphibious exercise to curb crude oil theft and sea robbery in Nigeria's waters is a bold step towards securing our national assets.

“The results are impressive,” he said. “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 Nigerian Navy has also recovered over 62,000 barrels of crude oil, as well as close to a million liters of illegally-refined diesel, petrol, and kerosene; valued in total at almost 10 billion Naira.

“The dismantling of illegal refining sites, arrest of suspects, and seizure of vessels and equipment used for oil theft are all indicators of the Navy's success. The impact of the Nigerian Navy's efforts goes beyond the economic benefits; it also has a significant impact on the environment and the well-being of communities in the Niger Delta region.

“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”.

The Centre, therefore, applauded President Bola Tinubu over his choice of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff.

Agabi also hailed the CNS for his patriotism, commitment and dedication to the Nigerian cause, adding that his commitment to achieving sustainable development in the Blue Economy sector is worthy of mention.

“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. “