NUPRC requests Defence Ministry assistance to protect oil infrastructure

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged the Federal Ministry of Defence to deepen cooperation in order to protect the nation’s oil and gas assets through non‑kinetic security measures.

Eniola Akinkuotu, the Head of Media and Corporate Communications for the NUPRC, said the request followed a meeting in Abuja between a Defence Ministry delegation and the Commission, where both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at safeguarding critical energy infrastructure and sustaining crude oil production.

During the meeting, NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan noted that ongoing cooperation with security agencies has helped curb crude oil theft and improved the protection of oil facilities nationwide.

She highlighted that Nigeria recently produced nearly 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, attributing part of the increase to enhanced security interventions.

“As we look to the future, we desire to grow production and must have assurances that security threats can be effectively managed. We can only achieve this through stronger collaboration with security agencies and industry stakeholders,” she said.

Eyesan added that greater use of technology, such as drone surveillance systems, is needed to monitor the country’s extensive oil and gas infrastructure.

She said the commission will continue working with operators to refine security frameworks, strengthen coordination, and ensure the long‑term sustainability of production assets.

Representing the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Maj‑Gen. Ekubi, explained that the ministry is introducing a non‑kinetic security strategy to stabilise the upstream petroleum sector.

The initiative will focus on community engagement, including sports‑based youth empowerment programmes designed to address the root causes of insecurity in oil‑producing areas.

According to him, persons with disabilities will also be included in the programme to promote broader social inclusion.

The Defence Ministry said the strategy aligns with the host community development provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and is expected to promote peace, strengthen community relations, and create alternative livelihoods for youths.

This renewed partnership comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to boost crude oil production while tackling persistent threats of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.