Chairman of the National Economic Council’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, on Friday, submitted ”updated report” on crude oil theft in the country, to the 152nd meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, predicting a production target of 2.5 million barrels per day by December 2025.

This was contained in a statement issued by Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, and made available to The Guardian.

The statement added that the Uzodimma-led committee’s mandate was expanded to tackle illegal mining and theft of mineral resources in every part of Nigeria.

The statement read: “Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in his role as Chairman of the National Economic Council’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, has presented an updated report of the committee during the council’s 152nd meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.”

The statement said Uzodimma held multiple meetings and discussion segments with members and stakeholders in the oil industry which led to the outcomes.

“The committee, tasked with addressing oil theft in Nigeria, has held multiple meetings to align its members and engage critical stakeholders in the oil industry. Discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other industry operators have provided valuable insights to advance the committee’s objectives.

“Governor Uzodimma emphasised that the committee’s efforts to boost oil production align with Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. To further its mission, the committee plans to gather and analyze additional data from key stakeholders, provide logistical support to states, security agencies, and relevant bodies to protect national oil and gas assets, and conduct physical inspections of all crude oil export terminals.”

Uzodimma, the statement added, disclosed that the committee would undertake forensic investigations, including monitoring the implementation of the committee’s work plan.

The statement said the NEC commended the committee for the mandate given to its members, especially for surpassing the current crude oil production of 1.72 million barrels per day.

“The National Economic Council commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the committee’s progress and encouraged intensified efforts to surpass Nigeria’s current crude oil production of 1.72 million barrels per day. The council also expanded the committee’s mandate to include tackling illegal mining and theft of mineral resources nationwide. With these measures, Nigeria aims to reach a production target of 2.5 million barrels per day by the end of 2025.”

The Guardian learnt that the National Economic Council is responsible for advising the President on the nation’s economic affairs. It also lends its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s economic growth and resource security.