In Nigeria’s crude capital, a plan to win the war against oil theft

Through improved security measures, including gunboats, authorities in Rivers State hope to stop criminals and improve production. Sometimes, those involved are given security cover by their sponsors.” For years, incidents like this one have become common in Rivers State, which prides itself as Nigeria’s oil capital. “We are doing our best to discourage any form of economic sabotage,” Fubara told Al Jazeera, “which is why the country’s output has increased in recent months given our support and protection of pipelines.” ‘Recent gains can be sustained’ Oil export is Nigeria’s mainstay as crude production and now averages 1.8 million barrels per day compared with 1.3 million in March, though the country has the capability to export close to 2 million bpd. “There’s every need to ramp up crude oil production above the current success numbers to help Nigeria defend a fast-falling naira and tackle the insufficient forex supply that has hit the exchange market so hard as the ripple-effect is felt on raising the cost of goods and services as citizens battles to curb the hard realities,” economist Steve Nwachukwu of Steward Asset Management told Al Jazeera. “The recent gains can be sustained if deliberate actions are taken to curb oil theft and encourage IOC’s and others to increase their investment and commitment,” Nwachukwu said.