The United Nations says Nigeria lost an estimated 2 . 8 billion dollars in revenues in 2018 , mainly due to oil -related crimes .

This is according to a new ‘ Report by the Secretary – General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel ’ on Monday in New York.

The report , which covered from July 1 , 2018 to December 31 , 2018, said “ Maritime crime and piracy off the coast of West Africa continued to pose a threat to peace , security and development in the region .

“ Oil – related crimes resulted in the loss of nearly 2 . 8 billion dollars in revenues last year in Nigeria, according to government figures .

“ Between January 1 and November 23 , there were 82 reported incidents of maritime crime and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea . ’’

The report also noted that compared to the situation reflected in the previous report , there was an increase in drug trafficking throughout West Africa and the Sahel .

“ In Benin , the Gambia and Nigeria, more than 50 kilogrammes of cocaine were seized between July and October by joint airport interdiction task forces .

“ During the same period, joint airport interdiction task forces seized more than six kilogrammes of methamphetamines, eight kilogramme of heroin ( double the amount in the first half of 2018 ) and 2 .6 tonnes of cannabis .

“ Drug production across the region was also reportedly on the rise , with more than 100 kilogrammes of ephedrine and phenacetin seized by competent authorities , ’’ the report said .

During the reporting period , it said that conflicts between farmers and herders resulted in loss of lives , destruction of livelihoods and property , population displacements and human rights violations and abuses .

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