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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has emphasised the need for a holistic approach to tackle security challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Energy Security and Niger Delta Affairs, Osaretin Ihu Grace, at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Ribadu highlighted systemic problems within the sector. He stressed the need for a more structured and determined strategy to address energy security challenges.
Describing energy as a critical national asset, Ribadu underscored the importance of a methodical, resilient, and strategic overhaul to resolve operational inefficiencies and entrenched security concerns. He said a holistic approach signifies not just technical recalibration but a strategic reorientation that recognises the interdependence between energy security and national stability.
While supporting the CDS’s production target of 2.5 million barrels per day, Ribadu pointed out systemic issues, including years of mismanagement and underinvestment in key infrastructure, which have left the sector vulnerable.
He called for comprehensive reforms focusing on maintenance, technology adoption, and workforce training. He noted that the challenge lies in achieving production goals while securing the nation’s energy infrastructure.
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Ribadu urged all stakeholders, including the government, industry leaders, and local communities, to move beyond traditional practices and embrace innovative, long-term solutions. He said: “The sector has been a recurrent target of criminal elements and insurgent groups. Ensuring the integrity of oil installations and transport routes remains a critical challenge that directly impacts production output.”
Highlighting the need for a coordinated and inclusive strategy, Ribadu stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, given the diverse stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape. He added that enhancing security measures is essential not just for maintaining production levels but also for protecting lives and livelihoods in affected communities.
In his remarks, General Musa acknowledged the contributions of all participants and appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the oil and gas sector as vital to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.
He noted that the sector’s performance has far-reaching implications for national development. “The collective effort to meet the 2.5 million barrels per day target is not just an industrial goal, but a critical economic strategy that underpins the country’s overall growth and stability,” he said.
General Musa linked energy production with national security, emphasising that a robust oil and gas sector is key to economic prosperity, peace, and stability, especially in volatile regions like the Niger Delta.
