NNPC Ltd has declared a state of emergency on Nigeria’s crude oil production in a decisive move to boost output and expand reserves. Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, made this announcement during the 23rd edition of the Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG Energy Week) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Kyari emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges hindering crude oil production. “We have declared war on the challenges affecting our crude oil production. War means war. We have the right tools, we know what to fight, and we know what we have to do at the level of assets,” he stated.

A detailed analysis by NNPC Ltd revealed that Nigeria can produce two million barrels of crude oil per day without new rigs. However, delays in procurement and other inefficiencies have impeded achieving this target. The declared “war” aims to eliminate these obstacles swiftly.

Kyari outlined medium to long-term strategies, including replacing old pipelines and introducing a rig sharing program with partners to ensure rigs remain in Nigeria for four to five years. He urged industry players to collaborate in reducing production costs and boosting output.

NNPC Ltd also plans significant investments in midstream gas infrastructure, such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipelines, to enhance domestic gas production for power generation and industrial development.

In support of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) drive, NNPC Ltd has partnered with NIPCO Gas to build several CNG stations, with 12 set to be commissioned on Thursday in Lagos and Abuja.

The NOG Energy Week opening ceremony featured keynotes from prominent industry figures, including OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais, GECF Secretary General Engr. Mohamed Hamel, and Nigeria’s Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources.

NNPC Ltd is the principal sponsor of the 2024 NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition, themed “Showcasing Opportunities, Driving Investment, and Meeting Energy Demand.”