SPDC Urges Federal Government to Address Crude Theft, Illegal Refining
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of crude oil theft and illegal refining to protect the nation’s resources and the environment.
This was emphasized by SPDC’s Country Chair and Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor, during the opening of the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.
Osagie Okunbor, represented by SPDC’s Exploration Manager, Gogo Eneyok, urged the government to strengthen efforts to combat these issues, which pose significant threats to both the economy and the environment.
He also highlighted the importance of improving the regulatory environment, particularly through ongoing enhancements to the Petroleum Industry Act. He stressed that without a more effective regulatory framework, efforts to curb illegal activities in the sector would not yield the desired outcomes.
The company continues to advocate for stronger measures to prevent oil theft and illegal refining, which have been a major source of revenue loss and environmental degradation in Nigeria.
SPDC reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security, with a focus on upstream, midstream, downstream, and renewable sectors. Okunbor assured stakeholders that Shell is dedicated to contributing to the nation’s energy needs while ensuring sustainable practices. He emphasized that the company is actively involved in initiatives to tackle the energy trilemma, focusing on energy security, growth, and affordability, as part of the conference’s theme.
In line with its sustainability efforts, Shell has been deploying advanced technologies to reduce emissions in its operations and is on track to meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets. Additionally, Shell’s domestic gas distribution network has expanded to 150 kilometers, increasing access to cleaner energy. The company is also involved in initiatives like Daystar and All On, which provide affordable and clean energy solutions to individuals and communities across Nigeria.