Why Nigeria Has Returned to Number one Crude Oil Exporter in Africa in Recent Months; Navy Points to Attainment of Highest State of Operational Readiness

The Nigerian Navy said on Monday that the country’s return to the number one position of crude oil producer in Africa, in recent months, was brought about by
the attainment of Its highest state of operational readiness following the activation of Operation Delta Sanity in January 2024.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Daniel Akpan made this known while briefing the media on the 68th anniversary activities of the Navy in Abuja

“OPEC records for the month of April 2024 state that Nigeria’s Crude Oil Exports rose to #1.28m bpd in April from #1.23m bpd in March. This is in line with the President’s directive to eradicate COT in order to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production and exports. This has impacted positively on Nigeria’s crude oil production” he said.

“These figures originate from either NUPRC, NNPC or OPEC. These OPEC figures put Nigeria as the number
one crude oil exporter in Africa for April 2024 with Algeria and Libya in 2nd and 3rd positions. The NN does her job effectively and expects a positive impact on Nigeria’s crude oil export”.

Rear Admiral Akpan continued, “Under the current NN leadership, the Navy has attained the highest state of operational readiness in the discharge of its constitutional roles. In particular, the fight against Crude Oil Theft has been a huge success under the auspices of Operation Delta Sanity which was re-launched in January 2024.

“In the 9 months of its existence, the operation has led to the arrest of various suspects and vessels involved in Crude Oil Theft. Some of these vessels include MT KALI, MT SWEET HARBOUR SPIRIT, MT SAISNIL, MV TOKITO, MT VINILLARIS and MT SWEET MIRI, among others.

“In line with its Total Spectrum Matitime Strategy, the NN has continued to support land operations in all the Geo-political Zones.

“The NN has also provided all year-round situation awareness of Nigeria’s maritime domain extending to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone through its Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities which enabled early detection and swift response to incidences within the maritime environment.

“This has ensured that Nigeria maintained its zero piracy status in the International Maritime Bureau piracy rating. In terms of fleet renewal, the NN has taken delivery of various platforms which has supported its Anti-piracy, Ant-COT, Anti-IUU and Anti-illegal drug trafficking among others.

“Notably, the NN has taken delivery of its second offshore survey vessel, 2 units 32m FPBs, and 2 units Helicopters.

“The NN is also expected to take delivery of 2 units of 76m Onshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey later in the year.

“In the area of infrastructure, the NN has established a composite operations Base in Enugu State to curtail the prevailing insecurities in the SE and NC Regions.

“Additionally, the Naval Training Command was relocated to Eleme in Rivers State. In its place, the NN has established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.

“The Institute will serve as a strategic maritime think-tank for Nigeria thereby contributing effectively to global maritime discourse to shape the future of sea power and its application.

“Aware of the need to collaborate with other maritime security agencies such as NIMASA, NPA, NDLEA, NOSDRA, NEMA as well as foreign partners, the NN has staged and participated in several local and international exercises and operations.

“Some of these include EX CROCODILE LIFT/AFRICAN GRANDE AFRICA NEMO, EX SEA GUARDIAN, EX NCHEKWA OSHIMIRI, OP WATER GUARD, OP SWIFT RESPONSE and EX OBANGAME EXPRESS 2024.

Activities lined up for the Navy week include the Special Juma’at Prayers on Friday, 24 May 2024 and the Interdenominational Church Service on Sunday, 26 May 24 at the Central Mosque and the Queen of Martyr Catholic Church Mogadishu Cantonment respectively.

“Medical Rhapsodies and Naval Officers’ Wives Association Activities (NOWA) will hold simultaneously on Monday, 27 May 2024 in some NN host communities across Commands.

“On Wed 29 May 24, there would be an ice-breaker at Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos.

“The highpoint of this year’s celebration will be the flag-off of the Regional Maritime Exercise and the International Maritime Conference by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu who will be the Special Guest of Honour.

“The REMEX, which is scheduled to hold from Thursday, 30 May – Saturday, 1 June 2024, is an international maritime sea exercise involving navies from Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America. The NN will contribute 18 platforms comprising capital ships, boats and helicopters.

“Some of the foreign naval ships participating include Brazilian Navy Ship APA, Cameroonian Navy Ship DIPIKAR, Peoples Liberation Army Navy Ship XU CHANG, French Navy Ship OSV COMMANDANT BIROT, Ghana Navy Ship CHEMLE, United States Ship HERSHEL WOODY WILLIAMS.

“The IMC will take place from 30 – 31 May 24 at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island Lagos.

“The IMC which aims to catalyse effective cooperation on maritime security across Africa as a key driver for unlocking the continent’s immense Blue Economy potential in line with the vision of the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) has as its theme Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security will feature the presentation of 2 topical papers.

“The Conference will host delegations from about 21 African countries, 17 non-African countries and 13 International/regional organisations. Notably, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the French Atlantic Fleet, the Deputy Commander of the Chinese Navy and high – powered delegations from the United Kingdom, United States as well as some African and European Union countries will be in attendance.”