The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has pledged the Nigerian Navy’s support to crude oil-producing companies to strengthen the protection of critical petroleum assets and boost Nigeria’s crude oil production.
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 meeting focused on strengthening security around oil production facilities, remote assets and export terminals, particularly against crude oil theft, third-party interference and threats to offshore and near-shore infrastructure.
The OPTS delegation also called for enhanced naval patrols in vulnerable maritime areas and appropriate security support for the movement of petroleum products.
Responding, the CNS reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national economic infrastructure.
He said sustained naval operations had contributed to reducing crude oil theft, stressing that effective intelligence sharing between oil companies and the Navy remained crucial to identifying emerging threats and improving operational responses.
Abbas also underscored the importance of technology in enhancing maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities.
He assured the delegation that requests for additional support would be considered based on identified security requirements and formal requests from affected organisations.
The engagement, according to the Navy, further strengthened collaboration between the service and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector towards creating a safer maritime environment, protecting critical infrastructure and increasing crude oil production.
