Navy Pledges Support to Oil Producers to Boost Crude Output

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has pledged the Nigerian Navy’s support to 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, Johnson Ogbum, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

The engagement focused on strengthening security around oil production facilities, remote assets and export terminals, particularly in tackling crude oil theft, third-party interference and threats to offshore and near-shore infrastructure.

The delegation also sought enhanced naval patrols in vulnerable maritime areas and appropriate security support for the movement of petroleum products.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the CNS reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national economic infrastructure.

Abbas said sustained naval operations had contributed to reducing crude oil theft, stressing that effective intelligence sharing between oil producing companies and the Navy remained crucial to anticipating threats and improving operational responses.

He also underscored the importance of technology in strengthening maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities.

The CNS assured the delegation that its requests for enhanced security support would be considered based on identified security requirements and formal requests from affected organisations.

The meeting further strengthened collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, with both sides focused on creating a secure operating environment capable of supporting increased crude oil production and protecting critical petroleum infrastructure.