Support efforts to boost crude oil production – FG tells oil firms
Port Harcourt, July 2026 (TBL Africa) The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to support government efforts aimed at increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production.
Musa made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the division’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Umar Adam.
Addressing participants, Musa said the meeting focused on enhancing crude oil production, strengthening security around critical national assets, and promoting collaboration between security agencies and industry operators.
He described the oil and gas sector as critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
The minister noted that achieving the Federal Government’s oil production targets would require sustained cooperation among the Armed Forces, security agencies, regulators and industry stakeholders.
“Increased crude oil production remains vital to national development and economic stability.
“To achieve our production targets, there must be greater information sharing, mutual trust and collective commitment to protecting oil infrastructure,” he said.
Musa also urged stakeholders to support efforts to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commander, Joint Task Force (South South), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting critical national assets.
Oladipo said troops under OPDS would continue to conduct operations professionally and in accordance with established rules of engagement.
He stated that security forces would sustain aggressive operations against crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s economy.
On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, assured stakeholders of a secure environment for legitimate oil exploration and production activities.
Emekah urged oil companies to comply with the provisions of their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities.
“Adherence to such agreements will promote trust, peaceful coexistence and stronger collaboration among stakeholders,” he said.
The division’s spokesperson, Adam, said the meeting provided industry operators with an opportunity to highlight operational challenges affecting production and to seek enhanced cooperation with security agencies.
He said that participants expressed optimism that renewed collaboration would improve operational efficiency, strengthen infrastructure protection and encourage increased investment in the sector.
According to Adam, oil and gas operators also pledged to deepen partnership through regular consultations, intelligence sharing and coordinated security measures.
He added that stakeholders expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between the defence establishment and industry operators would boost oil production, increase government revenue and contribute to economic growth.
