Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), says the federal government has plans to achieve a target of three million barrels per day (bpd) in crude oil production by 2025.

Dr Lokpobiri spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the second phase of Operation Delta Sanity II (OPDS II) by the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt.

The minister noted that the initial phase of OPDS, launched on January 10, has contributed to the improved production figures, prompting the navy to proceed with the second phase.

“In August 2023, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production was barely a million bpd. Currently, the nation produces about 1.8 million bpd,” Lokpobiri said.

“Our target is to reach 3 million bpd by 2025, and we are confident that the second phase of OPDS will play a key role in achieving this milestone.”

He said the government would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

More so, Lokpobiri expressed concern about the persistent sabotage of the Trans Niger Pipeline.

“The Trans Niger Pipeline remains a major challenge, with criminals breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil,” he said.

“However, the Nigerian Navy has pledged to intensify its efforts to protect these national assets, building on its successes in 2024.”

The minister underscored the broader implications of curbing oil theft, highlighting the potential for increased government revenue and enhanced allocations to states and local governments.

He called on security agencies, maritime contractors, traditional rulers, and local youths to support the navy’s efforts.

On his part, Emmanuel Ogalla, chief of naval staff, expressed optimism about the feasibility of reaching the three million bpd production target.

Ogalla said Operation Delta Sanity was specifically designed to address oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes, ensuring a secure environment for legitimate operations.

“The initial phase of the OPDS led to numerous arrests of vessels and oil thieves, as well as the dismantling of several illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta,” Ogalla said.

“These measures resulted in significant improvements in legitimate maritime activities and boosted crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting 100 per cent terminal factors.”

Nevertheless, Ogalla said the navy saw the need to refine the operation to achieve even better outcomes.

“Rejigging the operation involves deploying newly acquired maritime domain awareness infrastructure, attack helicopters, armed drones, and enhanced intelligence-gathering systems,” he added.

Ogalla expressed confidence that OPDS II would further stabilise oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta by 2025.