The Nigerian Navy has attributed the recent surge in oil production from the Niger Delta region to the unwavering dedication and proactive measures of its officers and personnel. This acknowledgment came during an official visit by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Saidu Abbas, to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta Command in Warri, Delta State.
Vice Admiral Abbas, who assumed office as the 25th CNS on October 30, 2025, was on his maiden operational tour to assess the readiness of naval units in the oil-rich Niger Delta. During the visit, he inspected key facilities, including gunboats at the NNS Delta jetty, before addressing officers and ratings at the command’s auditorium. In his remarks, the CNS emphasized the navy’s role in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism—persistent threats that have long hampered Nigeria’s crude output.
Fielding questions from journalists, Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted sustainability as key to maintaining the upward trajectory in production. “The increase in oil production output in the Niger Delta has been attributed to the proactive measures put in place by officers and men of the Nigerian Navy,” he stated, underscoring the need for continued professionalism and welfare support for personnel.
The visit also extended to a courtesy call on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba, where the CNS expressed gratitude for the state’s support to naval operations. Governor Oborevwori, in turn, commended the navy for its instrumental role in safeguarding maritime assets, anti-piracy efforts, and internal security in Delta—one of Nigeria’s highest oil-producing states. “Our oil assets are secure because of the good working relationship among all security agencies. If there is a problem in Delta, the entire country will feel it,” the governor remarked.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that the relative calm in Delta’s waterways, bolstered by state-federal collaboration, has directly contributed to the production boost. “I was at the base and saw new developments that were not there when I left. I thank you for that support. We request your continued collaboration so we can have a smooth sail in our operations,” he added.
This development aligns with broader national efforts under Operation Delta Sanity, a joint military initiative that has intensified patrols and dismantled illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta. Recent naval actions have recovered thousands of liters of stolen crude and sealed multiple bunkering operations, reducing theft incidents and environmental degradation. While exact production figures for the current boost were not disclosed during the visit, industry sources indicate Nigeria’s output has climbed toward the government’s 2 million barrels per day (bpd) target, up from lows of around 1.1 million bpd in prior years.
The Niger Delta, home to over 78 oil fields and critical to Nigeria’s economy (contributing about 9% to GDP), remains vulnerable to sabotage. The navy’s renewed focus signals a commitment to protecting these assets amid calls for restructuring and equitable resource management in the region.
The CNS’s tour concluded with pledges from both naval and state leaders to deepen partnerships, ensuring sustained security for Delta State, the wider Niger Delta, and Nigeria’s economic stability.
