Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled the discovery of more than 4,800 illegal connections on oil pipelines across the country.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, disclosed this information during an appearance before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Friday.
Kyari highlighted the extent of the issue, stating, “We have over 4,800 illegal connections on our pipelines. That means in some lines, within 100 kilometres of pipelines, you have as much as 300 insertions. Therefore, even when you produce the oil, you cannot deliver them at the required pressure and therefore the volume will also be less.”
He pointed out that individuals from various parts of the country engage in illegal activities, inserting connections on pipelines in the oil-producing Niger Delta region. This practice not only poses a significant threat to the integrity of the pipelines but also hampers the efficient transportation of oil, affecting the overall volume delivered.
