The Nigerian Navy has pledged to strengthen security around oil and gas facilities as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s crude oil production and protect critical petroleum assets.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the commitment when he received a delegation of the Security Sub-Committee of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its Chairman, Mr Johnson Ogbum, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The engagement focused on strengthening security around oil production facilities, remote assets and export terminals, particularly in addressing crude oil theft, third-party interference and threats to offshore and near-shore infrastructure.
The OPTS delegation also sought enhanced naval patrols in vulnerable maritime areas and appropriate security support for the movement of petroleum products.
Responding, Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s maritime environment and protecting critical national economic infrastructure.
He noted that sustained naval operations had contributed to reducing crude oil theft, stressing that effective intelligence sharing between oil-producing companies and the Navy remained essential to anticipating threats and improving operational response.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also highlighted the importance of technology in strengthening maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities, particularly in monitoring vulnerable areas and responding promptly to emerging security threats.
He assured the delegation that the Navy would consider requests for security support based on identified requirements and formal requests by affected organisations.
The engagement further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to create a secure operating environment, protect critical petroleum infrastructure and support increased crude oil production in Nigeria.
