Attacks on oil facilities to worsen energy crisis in Nigeria: official

The bombings of major oil installations by the Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group could worsen the operations of oil companies in Nigeria, a top official with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said Monday.

The development would negatively affect the efforts of the government to increase power generation in the country, Azubuike Okafor, a regional chairman of the association told reporter in southern city of Awka.

He said that though manufacturers were pleased with efforts being made by the government to tackle the country's electricity challenges, such efforts were being hindered by the militants.

According to him, the actions of the militants has caused the closure of many industries because of the non-availability of diesel to power industries.

He told reporters that the militants were disrupting efforts being made by government to improve and sustain electricity generation and increase oil production.

Okafor advised the government to dialogue with the militants and persuade them to support its effort.

Niger Delta Avengers, a new militant group, has been claiming responsibility for a string of attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta.

The group has launched several attacks on oil and gas infrastructure since February 2016, demanding a sovereign nation of the Niger Delta people.

Recent attacks on oil and gas facilities have harmed Nigeria's oil production, bringing it down to 1.4 million barrels per day. Endit