Oil Output Dips As Militants Blow Up Trans-Niger Pipeline

Suspected militants on Monday blew up the Trans-Niger pipeline in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mikanti Baru said.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Baru explained that the ugly act reduced crude oil production by 150,000 barrels per day.

The NNPC boss revealed that militant activities have prevented the country from sustaining the 2.2 million bpd production target as stipulated in the 2017 Budget.

Baru said, “Unfortunately, we have not been able to sustain it because we have challenges.

“As I am talking to you, this morning (Monday), the Trans-Niger pipeline has been breached in Ogoniland, and that is 150,000 barrels of oil that have been knocked off.

“That has been fairly an issue with that area. We hope we can continue our dialogue and this will return to what it should be.”

Militant activities in the Niger Delta have slowed in recent times, following mediation talks between the Federal Government led by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and leaders in the region.