The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has advised the Federal Government to nib crude oil theft and illegal refining in the bud to safeguard the nation’s resources and protect the environment.

SPDC’s Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor advised on Monday at the opening of the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

Represented by the SPDC’s Exploration Manager, Gogo Eneyok, Okunbor, however, pointed out that for these and other efforts and investments to achieve the desired results, the government had to improve the regulatory environment with continuous improvement in the provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The menace of crude theft and illegal refining must also be tackled to safeguard the nation’s resources and protect the environment,” he added.

The company said it will continue to power progress in the drive for energy security in Nigeria through its businesses in the upstream, midstream, downstream and renewable sectors.

This year’s NAPE conference was themed: “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth & Affordability.”

Okunbor said: “Shell, working with government, regulators and stakeholders, is actively participating in finding a pathway through the energy trilemma. We are focused on generating maximum value and cash to power the country.”

Referring to efforts towards low and zero-carbon products to market, he said: “Shell is deploying latest technologies in reducing emission in our operations and we are well on track to meet our forecasted Green House Gas reduction targets.” SNG is also increasing domestic gas delivery through its distribution network of 150 kilometres in Nigeria while Daystar and All On are giving individuals and communities access to cleaner and affordable energy. (Channels TV)

• Leadership team of the Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) visit the Shell stand during the opening ceremony of the 2024 conference and exhibition at Eko hotel…Lagos