Nigeria’s joint venture partner in the production of crude, Shell Production and Development Company (SDPC) has threatened to shut down its Nember creek trunk line owing to the increased cases of oil theft.
According to the country chairman of SPDC; Mr Mutiu Sumonu, the volume being stolen is in the excess of over 60,000 barrels per day, forcing the company to often shut down daily operation.
Apart from the economic loss to the country, the level of environmental devastation is also raising to a worrisome height.
Between 22nd and 25th February 2013, the company says 12 flow stations producing into the NCTL was shut down three times due to oil theft and consequently resulting in the deferment of 150,000bpd .
The illegal activity of these oil thieves which is without regards for the impact of their criminal activity on the people have caused what can be referred to as an environmental tragedy for the inhabitants of these regions and their generations to come.
Krakama and Awoba communities have the highest cases of oil theft and illegal refineries.