Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC and the Federal Ministry of Defence have agreed to strengthen collaboration on the protection of oil and gas assets through non-kinetic security measures.

A statement made available to the media yesterday by the Head, Media and Corporate Communications, NUPRC,  Eniola Akinkuotu explained that the commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Ministry of Defence to the headquarters of the NUPRC in Abuja. He added that the collaboration is aimed at boosting production, enhancing community engagement and sustaining investor confidence.

Speaking during the meeting, NUPRC Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the Commission’s long-standing partnership with security agencies had played a crucial role in combating crude oil theft and protecting critical energy infrastructure across the country.

“The collaborative efforts are already yielding positive results, with Nigeria recording crude oil production of nearly 1.8 million barrels per day throughout the previous month.”

“Today, we are benefiting from those efforts. Last month, we recorded production of nearly 1.8 million barrels per day throughout the month,” Eyesan said.

She attributed the improvement in production levels to sustained investments in security, technology deployment and human resource development, stressing that stronger production assurance mechanisms would be required as the country seeks to further increase output and attract fresh investments into the upstream sector.

“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 added.

Eyesan also highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced technologies, including drone surveillance systems, to monitor the vast network of oil and gas facilities nationwide.

She disclosed that the Commission would work closely with industry operators to refine and promote a new security framework, while taking the lead in mobilising stakeholders and establishing a governance structure to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The representive of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa Rtd, and Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Major General Ekubi, said the Ministry was introducing a non-kinetic national security intervention model designed to promote peace and stability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

He explained that sports-based youth engagement programmes would be a central component of the initiative, targeting the root causes of insecurity in oil-producing communities.

“One of the best ways to engage youths in oil-producing areas is through sports-based interventions,” Ekubi said.

He noted that the programme would also incorporate structured activities for persons with disabilities as part of efforts to promote inclusion and social cohesion.

The Ministry said the initiative aligns with the host community development objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act and is expected to strengthen relations between operators and host communities, reduce security challenges and create alternative opportunities for youth empow