The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has revealed that over 8,000 illegal Refineries and 5,800 illegal pipelines have been destroyed within the last six months.

The Deputy Manager, NNPCL Command and Control Centre , Murtala Muhammad, made the disclosure at a one day Stakeholders Engagement Session with journalists covering the National Assembly in Abuja.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited disclosed that production of 3million barrels of crude oil per day is achievable from the 1.7million it is presently churning out.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer ( CCCO) of the oil conglomerate , Olufemi Soneye said the feat is attainable with support from all stakeholders adding that the political will in that regard has already been provided by President Bola Tinubu with directives to relevant security agencies to stem the ugly tide of oil theft and pipeline vandalism which according to him led to increase in daily oil production from 1.4 million to 1.7milliion barrels per day now
He lamented that at a point ,oil production went down to 900,000barrels per day in the country before the involvement of private security agencies and renewed efforts of the military.

In a power point presentation on the menace of crude oil theft and its impact on Nigeria's economy by Deputy Manager, NNPC Command and Control Centre , Murtala Muhammad, said the crime of oil theft ,remains a serious concern .

According to him, over 8, 000 illegal refineries and 5, 800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed within the last six months.

He listed Bayelsa,Rivers, Imo, Abia among others as the hot spots for illegal oil business calling for the support and cooperation of all Stakeholders in cirta the menace of illegal Refineries and pipelines.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of papers on Balancing Reporting and Nation Building : The Role of National Assembly Press Corps by notable speakers.