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The speed initiative: Way forward to pipeline vandalisation in the Niger Delta

By Soba Dakuku-Peterside
10 November 2016   |   3:14 am
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, The Niger Delta is the delta of the Niger River. It is a very densely populated region sometimes called the Oil Rivers because it was once a major producer of palm oil.
pipeline vandalization

pipeline vandalization

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, The Niger Delta is the delta of the Niger River. It is a very densely populated region sometimes called the Oil Rivers because it was once a major producer of palm oil. The delta is a petroleum-rich region, and has been the centre of international controversy over pollution, corruption, and human rights violations.

The effects of oil in the fragile Niger Delta communities and environment have been enormous. Local indigenous people have seen little if any improvement in their standard of living while suffering serious damage to their natural environment. According to Nigerian federal government figures, there were more than 7,000 oil spills between 1970 and 2000 and over a thousand pipelines have been destroyed in 2016. It has been estimated that a clean up of the region, including full restoration of swamps, creeks, fishing grounds and mangroves, could take 25 years.

The communities have remained grossly socio economically underdeveloped and pauperized amidst the immense oil wealth owing to systematic disequilibrium the production. Billions of Dollars had been derived from oil export but the area has been subjected to severe land degradation, socio-economic disorganization, increasing poverty, misery militancy occupation, and bloody violence.

As a young teen the idea of thinking of a solution for the people in my home is worth a thousand days but three minutes will give you a glimpse of what I believe is a starting point to the solution looking at the views of the people, the government and the society. To tackle the issue of pipeline vandalization, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I propose my SPEED initiative: (uses slide to introduce acronym)

First, Community security and incentive: government should bring in the communities in its security architecture. Let the communities be part of securing the pipeline with an incentive. If the communities know that they will benefit from the profit of operating in their area they will as stakeholders help in securing the pipeline so its does not affect their societal profits.

Second, The people: I have been talking about the government and companies but now is the time for the people. It is the duty of the people to ask questions and co-operate with the government. I believe that growth takes time and the patient dog eats the fattest bone so we as the people of Nigeria should co-operate with our government and assist them by bringing up substantial ideas. Complaining and abusing the government would not solve the issue but until we stand up as one nation for one ideology growth and development will stand up for us.

Third, Engagement Authorities should enlighten the people on the environmental, social and economic impact of pipeline vandalism, as I am a hundred per cent certain that these people want to live to testify the reason of their protest. (I mean Nigerians fear death more than anything). If the people understand that it harms them in the long run they will most likely behave differently. Our government should engage our people in order to identify their grievances and how it can be mutually resolved. This should be done with the intention to understand them and find efficient solutions to the problem in the region.

Fourth, Massive employment creation: Most youths who embark on pipeline vandalism do so because they are idle or unemployed. Government working with the oil companies and communities should create employment both within the oil and Gas Company, agriculture and manufacturing to get the youths employed. If I’m not mistaken an idle man is the devils workshop.

Fifth, Genuine commitment to the development of the Niger Delta: On a personal note I was impressed at the development concerning the commission to start up the clean-up process in Ogoni land and I long for more and more contributions to the oil sector. The authorities (Government and oil companies) should embark on a genuine development of such areas. The people want to know where the oil money is going if the root is not maintained? Would you be able to get more oil if it’s damaged? What’s your agreement with the people? at least 10% of the profit generated should go to areas such as infrastructure and schools which increases job opportunities and much more. So if the people know that the government is honestly committed to using the oil resources in their favour and the favour of the country, they are most likely to co-operate.

Last but definitely most important I implore all Nigerians to seek the face of God because with God all things are possible. America trusted in God not leaders, not technology, not friends or nationality but God and they succeeded and so can we as Golden Africans succeed too.

The power of a teen. The power of the SPEED initiative.

• Dakuku-Peterside wrote from Lagos

2 Comments

  • Author’s gravatar

    They got whatever everybody else got and got additional 13 percent for the crude their land produce. What did they do with it? They blame everyone else for their own wrongdoing, haha!

    • Author’s gravatar

      you are talking about what everyone got and they getting 13% from a product that is clearly theirs. it is this mentality that is the reason the problem hasn’t being solve. it is not about what percentage they go, it is about creating ownership, that would ensure that everyone is somehow a part of it.