N’Delta drums support for NNPC-OMS amid 400,000 barrel oil theft

.Youths task Kyari on pipeline security

The Niger Delta region has called on the Federal Government to increase support for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) partnership to boost the country’s crude oil production.

While the country’s crude oil production remained low, falling below budget benchmark and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota, the Federation Government said, last week, that about 400,000 barrels of crude oil were still lost daily to thieves.

The region, however, noted the relative peace witnessed on the 87-kilometre Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP) following the award of surveillance contract to an indigenous firm, Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS).

Noting that the 2019 pact was a game-changer for oil production and evacuation, the General Coordinator, Pipeline Infrastructure, TFP, OMS, Benson Onuwaje, explained to journalists that vandalism of pipelines reduced by about 95 per cent on the line.

According to him, peace has been restored to Niger Delta communities, as most of its unemployed youths have been gainfully employed through the NNPCL-OMS TFP initiative.

The Bola Tinubu-led administration, he added, needs to fix all the refineries in the country to reaffirm its commitment to secure more oil production lines to raise crude oil production.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups and Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), yesterday, threw their weight behind the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to ensure a brighter future for the region and Nigerians.

The coalition also unequivocally expressed unwavering support and confidence in the NNPCL under Mele Kyari.

In a statement by the NDYC coordinator, Israel Uwejeyan; National President of Isoko Youth Forum, Brozie Utomodo; Convener of South-South Youth Vanguard, Preye Oporomo; and National Coordinator of Niger Delta Youth Movement for Youth Empowerment, Valentine Ugboli, they urged Kyari to Ignore critics and fix his gaze on how to secure the nation’s pipelines.

According to the coalition, unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximised for the well-being of all Nigerians.

The groups further appealed to the leadership of NNPCL to include the Isoko Ethnic Nationality in the pipeline surveillance contract, adding: “The Isoko people are major oil producers, and their commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding oil facilities is evident through years of responsible coexistence with the industry.

“We believe it is both fair and just to recognise Isoko ethnic nationality by involving them in pipeline surveillance contracts. Doing so would not only reward their years of dedication but also strengthen the bond between the oil industry and the local communities.”\