NUPRC, Defence Ministry partner to protect oil infrastructure through non-kinetic security strategy

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Defence have launched a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the security of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure through a combination of technology-driven surveillance and community-focused interventions.

The initiative introduces a non-kinetic security framework designed to complement existing military operations by addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and insecurity in oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.

The partnership comes as Nigeria records improved crude oil production, with output approaching 1.8 million barrels per day in recent weeks, one of the highest levels achieved in recent years.

Speaking during a high-level meeting at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said sustaining production growth requires stronger collaboration among regulators, security agencies, host communities, and industry stakeholders.

She noted that while recent gains in oil production were driven by improved security measures and inter-agency cooperation, long-term stability would depend on providing adequate production assurance for investors and operators.

“As we look to the future, we desire to grow production and must have assurances that security threats can be effectively managed. We can only achieve this through stronger collaboration with security agencies and industry stakeholders,” she said.

As part of the new strategy, the NUPRC plans to expand the use of advanced surveillance technologies, including long-range drone systems, to monitor pipelines and upstream oil facilities in real time. The technology is expected to help detect security breaches, vandalism, and illegal activities before they escalate.

On the community engagement side, the Ministry of Defence is introducing a non-kinetic approach focused on youth empowerment and social inclusion. Representing the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, Senior Special Assistant Major General Ekubi said the initiative seeks to tackle the root causes of insecurity in host communities.

According to him, sports-based youth development programmes and other empowerment initiatives will be deployed to provide alternative opportunities for young people and reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal networks involved in illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

The framework is also aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs), which were established to promote sustainable development and strengthen relationships between oil companies and host communities.

Officials said the partnership will combine technological surveillance, community development programmes, and regulatory oversight to create a more sustainable security architecture for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The NUPRC added that it would continue working with local and international oil companies, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure the protection of critical energy infrastructure and support the long-term growth of the country’s petroleum industry.

The collaboration is expected to enhance investor confidence, improve operational stability, and contribute to the government’s efforts to increase crude oil production while reducing losses from theft and sabotage.