Rising from a meeting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital at the weekend, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has reassured Niger Delta stakeholders and Nigerians that the Federal Government is taking strong action against oil vandals and oil thieves threatening national assets.
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including traditional rulers, civil society groups, community and youths leadership, had lamented that most vandals and oil thieves caught and handed over to the authorities always come back within few days to hunt for those responsible.
Speaking on behalf of NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, during the meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to appraise the company’s operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline, MrAmakiri Harry-Young, revealed that a special committee, comprising investigative and prosecuting teams, has been working round the clock to ensure offenders face justice.
Harry stated that over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to Port Harcourt prison.
He emphasised that the administration is fully committed to achieving the national oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day. “The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal,” Harry said, adding that success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved.
In his opening address, the PINL Consultant, Communities Relations, Dr AkposMezeh, said that the PINL has recorded major successes in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) through close collaboration with host communities, government security agencies, and other key stakeholders.
He also stated that by investing in community needs, resolving disputes, and restoring the environment, PINL has helped reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, adding that the result has been near-zero infractions on the pipeline, improved crude oil production, and greater investor confidence, all contributing to increased national revenue.
Mezeh also stated that in addition to strengthening local ties, PINL has also supported economic empowerment, ensured regular payment of surveillance guards, and promoted safety by deploying military camps and portable cabins.
Also, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Ijaw communities have always supported Nigeria’s unity and economic stability, even taking the lead in managing pipelines through companies like PINL.
He encouraged full support for PINL, emphasising that the Ijaw people should also be credited with any success in protecting pipelines.
