….As stakeholders back 2.5m bpd target
From Femi Folaranmi Yenagoa
Traditional rulers of communities covering the Trans- Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa State have rallied support against pipeline vandalism in their domains.
The traditional rulers from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas, including HRM King Joshua Igbuguru, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, HRM King Malla Sasime, Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, HRM Dumaro Charles Owaba, Obanobhan III of Ogbia Kingdom, and HRM King Funpere Gabriel Akah, Ibenanawei of Gbarain Kingdom, spoke over the weekend at a stakeholder meeting organised by the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa.
The monarchs, while commending PINL for the meeting which was to appraise the company’s operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline, called for more collaboration in the bid to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalization.
They applauded PINL for setting an example of how community involvement could help tackle economic sabotage.
They pledge more support for the company’s operations, especially to meet the 2.5 million bpd target for oil production in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. PINL Consultant, Community Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, disclosed that the mandate of the company had been achieved through strategic engagements with host communities.
According to him, PINL has worked with other stakeholders, including local government chairmen, security agencies, non-state actors, government appointees, and regulatory agencies, to turn the tide against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
‘’PINL’s mandate to protect the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) has been achieved through strategic engagements with the host communities. This collaborative approach has not only led to stronger relations but also forged a united front in the fight against crude oil theft.
‘’In collaboration with the communities and government security agencies, we can measure our humble achievements through social investments based on needs assessments, thus mitigating the socio-economic drivers of crude oil theft while promoting sustainable economic empowerment of the people. Also, restoration of the environment hitherto destroyed by incessant crude oil spills with the associated hazards.
Furthermore, there is near zero infraction on the Trans Niger Pipeline, thus leading to increased crude oil production. These successes have significantly boosted investors’ confidence and national revenue,’’ he said.
Mezeh identified prompt resolution of disputes, especially between the communities and the Operator/Renaissance Energy, and strict adherence to local content policies and other corporate social responsibility projects/programmes that prioritize the welfare of communities as factors responsible for the high level of support from host communities.
The Director of Energy Security, office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag Amachree commended Bayelsans for the support in actualising the vision of President Tinubu to boost oil production.
Amachree, represented by Special Adviser, Security, Energy and Finance, Amakiri Young Harry, reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to meet the 2.5 million bpd.
In a related development, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has lauded PINL for engaging its host communities in protecting oil installations.
Director of Energy Security in the Office of the NSA, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, spoke at a continued stakeholders’ engagement organised by PINL for stakeholders from host communities in Abia, Imo and Rivers States, held in Port Harcourt.
Flag-Amachree commended the firm for not only showing commitment in securing the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), but also for “impacting immensely on many lives.”
The director, who spoke through Mr. Young Amachree, at the stakeholders meeting, organised to appraise the company’s operations on the TNP, hailed the company for effectively carrying out the mandate given to it by the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Flag-Amachree explained that the issue of pipeline security should be of utmost concern to everyone, saying all hands must be on deck in securing the nation’s critical assets, stressing that whenever the country’s treasury is affected through vandalism, it affects everybody.
He called for concerted efforts by all communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the common goal of achieving zero infractions on the oil pipelines is achieved.
The Director of Energy Security also appealed host communities to give credible information that could lead to the arrest of vandals in the various localities, adding that the government is committed to ensuring security for all citizens.
He said: “I want to personally appreciate PINL for the work they are doing. It was a mandate that was given to them by the President to secure the pipelines and with your collaboration, what we are seeing today is impressive.
“This is a meeting of appraisal and I have listened to everyone and everyone is thinking the same as my thought. And I want to say PINL thank you for a job well done.
“When it comes to securing the pipelines, everyone of us must put our hands together to achieve our common goal.
“We have prosecuted more than 100 suspects as of today and some are serving prison terms.
He further warned that perpetrators of pipeline vandalism will not go unpunished, saying that the Office of the National Security Adviser had set up an investigation and prosecution team to prosecute vandals.
Also speaking, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Akponine Omojevwe, acknowledged improvements in pipeline protection since PINL took over surveillance.
He called on host communities and subcontractors to enhance collaboration with PINL for maximum results, stressing that pipeline protection requires a collective effort.