Nigeria to meter 187 flow stations, deploy cargo tracking system

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — In a bid to tackle crude oil theft and diversion, the Federal Government has approved the metering of 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region and the implementation of an Advanced Cargo Tracking system.

The initiatives, announced by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, aim to ensure transparency in the production and sale of petroleum products, boost revenue tracking, and restore investor confidence in the oil and gas sector.

The metering project, to be coordinated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, is expected to be completed within 180 days, while the Advanced Cargo Tracking system will monitor cargo from loading to final destination, significantly reducing oil theft and diversion.

Lokpobiri on his official X handle on Friday said the move is a major step towards increasing production, curtailing illicit activities in the oil sector and increasing government revenues.

He said, “As we work towards ramping up production, we are intensifying efforts to ensure transparency in the production and sale of our petroleum products, aiming to eliminate crude theft and diversion.

“I have highlighted Federal Executive Council’s approvals and award of a contract for the metering of the 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region to be coordinated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

“This initiative will enable us to accurately track our production and exports, ensuring that every barrel is accounted for as we ramp up our operations. The project is set to be completed within 180 days, demonstrating our commitment to these efforts.

“In addition, the Council has approved the Advanced Cargo Tracking system, which is designed to monitor cargo from the point of loading to the final destination. This system, also to be completed within 180 days, will significantly curb oil theft and diversion, ensuring that our revenues are protected.

“The return of investors to the sector is a testament to our commitment, and these initiatives are crucial for boosting our revenue tracking and enhancing the confidence of investors in our oil and gas sector and we anticipate even more investment as we continue to implement these transparency measures.”