The Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) has declared its readiness to tackle Nigeria’s long-running crisis of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal mining.
In a press statement issued by Benjamin Atu, Head of Media and Public Enlightenment at FUPRE-CSD, the Centre called for urgent collaboration with the federal government to implement long-term solutions that could save the nation trillions of naira in economic losses.
“FUPRE-CSD has the solution to the financial leakages in the oil and gas sector of the economy, which have slowed the nation’s development,” Atu stated. “If FUPRE is elevated to perform optimally, the Centre will be able to assist the government in combating oil theft, which has crippled the nation financially.”
Naija News gathered that Nigeria has lost over ₦4.3 trillion in the past five years due to more than 7,000 cases of pipeline destruction, alongside widespread illegal mineral exploitation.
FUPRE-CSD emphasized its technical expertise, community engagement capabilities, and proposed the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as essential to driving national progress.
The Centre identified key causes of oil-related crimes, including poverty, poor infrastructure, community collusion, and weak enforcement mechanisms. “Our duty as a center is not to lament the issue, but to help bring the nation out of the crude oil theft,” Atu stressed.
The Centre applauded ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser, NNPCL, NDDC, security forces, and private entities like Tantita Security Services, but urged for a shift to sustainable, technology-driven interventions.
Among its recommendations were the adoption of drone surveillance systems modeled after Saudi Arabia, the legalization of small-scale mining through cooperatives, and the establishment of modular refineries to support local operators.“We are confident that with synergy between government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society, a lasting solution is possible,” the statement added.
FUPRE-CSD concluded by reaffirming its commitment to leading the charge against oil theft, calling on the government to fully support its initiatives.
