The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed its significant contribution to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), with its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, highlighting the company’s key role in the sector.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the NNPCL workshop and engagement session with selected Kannywood artistes, Soneye explained, “NNPC Ltd is at the heart of Nigeria’s energy security, standing as one of the major contributors to the national grid. Our commitment to power generation is demonstrated through our investments in key facilities.”
He went on to detail the company’s operations, stating, “Currently, we operate the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a wholly owned facility providing essential electricity to the region. Additionally, we co-own two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2—with a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts.”
According to Soneye, these facilities play a vital role in ensuring a stable electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the country.
The NNPCL official also called on the Kannywood artistes to help raise awareness about the protection of the nation’s energy assets. He explained that the purpose of the engagement was to explore a partnership with Kannywood, aiming to create skits that would educate the public on the dangers of vandalising the country’s energy infrastructure.
“Now, imagine if these critical assets were damaged or destroyed by vandals—entire communities would be plunged into darkness, businesses would suffer, and the economy would take a devastating hit,” Soneye warned. “This is why we need your voices to amplify this message: Safeguarding our national assets is safeguarding our future!”
He reiterated the NNPCL’s commitment to strengthening national security for energy sustainability and growth, stressing the need for Kannywood’s partnership in fostering a culture of patriotism and national pride.
“You are not just actors—you are powerful influencers whose voices shape public opinion. That is why I am calling on you today to use your platforms to advocate for the protection of our national assets, particularly those managed by NNPC Ltd,” Soneye said.
Soneye further emphasised the severity of vandalism, urging the artistes to join the campaign against such acts. He stated, “Vandalism of critical infrastructure—including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations—poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development. We must all play our part in educating the public about the dangers of such acts. As respected figures in society, you have the influence to drive this message home.”
He also expressed gratitude to key figures for their support in the fight against vandalism. “Under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, the NNPC Ltd management team has implemented strategic actions that have significantly enhanced the security of our national assets, delivering unprecedented results never before seen in the sector,” Soneye said.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPCL Group CEO, Malam Mele Kyari, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure.
“These achievements have been made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We also extend our deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the military, and all law enforcement agencies for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure,” Soneye added.
Earlier in the session, the Deputy Manager of NNPC’s Command and Control Center, Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Murtala Mohammed, revealed that the company had uncovered 12 new illegal pipeline connections in just one week. He reported that the total number of illegal connections had risen to 7,015 as of February 10, 2025.
Mohammed’s presentation, titled “An Insight into NNPC’s War Against Crude Oil Theft,” shed light on the company’s ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, which has significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil production capacity, now standing at 1.7 million barrels per day.
He explained that most of the stolen crude is refined locally, while some is transported out of the country. Mohammed also disclosed that 2,849 suspects had been arrested in connection with oil theft, and 1,467 trucks loaded with stolen crude oil had been recovered. Additionally, NNPCL has repaired 3,100 vandalised pipelines.
Mohammed also highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal refineries, with 9,332 illegal refineries operating in the country as of February 10, 2025. The company has since destroyed 7,015 illegal pipeline connections.
