Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting crude oil production through stronger security measures and closer collaboration with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
The minister made the commitment during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The meeting focused on improving oil production, protecting critical national infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation between security agencies and industry operators to support economic growth and increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking at the engagement, General Musa described the oil and gas sector as a key pillar of the nation’s economy, emphasizing that achieving the government’s production targets would depend on effective collaboration among the Armed Forces, security agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry players.
He called for improved intelligence sharing, stronger mutual trust, and a united effort to secure oil facilities while tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.
Commander of the Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation DELTA SAFE, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, assured stakeholders that troops would continue to carry out operations professionally and in line with established Rules of Engagement while sustaining the fight against oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and other criminal groups operating in the region.
Also addressing participants, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, reiterated the military’s commitment to creating a secure environment for legitimate oil exploration and production activities.
He encouraged oil companies to honour the terms of their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities, noting that stronger relationships with local communities would promote peaceful coexistence, build trust, and improve cooperation.
Industry stakeholders also used the meeting to outline challenges affecting production and appealed for deeper collaboration with security agencies. They expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, encourage investment, and support sustainable oil production across the Niger Delta.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment to sustain regular consultations, enhance intelligence sharing, and coordinate security efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas assets. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between the defence authorities and industry stakeholders would help increase crude oil production, improve government revenue, and contribute to long-term economic stability.
