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Following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) Prince Michael Emuh, has called for caution and strategic action to protect the nation’s economic interests.
In a statement in Abuja, Emuh noted that Rivers State and the South-South region were critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, hosting numerous pipelines that transport the resources across the country and beyond, adding that it was imperative that the government handle the current situation with utmost care to prevent any disruptions that could have far-reaching economic consequences.
He stated that pipeline vandalism has historically resulted in significant economic losses, with Nigeria losing an estimated $42 billion between 2009 and 2018 due to crude theft and pipeline vandalism and daily loss averages $11 million, translating to about $4.2 billion annually.
There are also human and environmental costs, he claimed, often leading to ecosystem damage, water contamination and loss of livelihoods.
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Meantime, the statement urged the federal government to utilize trained youths for pipeline surveillance in the region.
“HOSCON emphasizes the importance of engaging the 10,000 youths already trained for pipeline surveillance. These individuals are familiar with the terrain and are well-equipped to provide effective protection. Their deployment would not only enhance security but also offer economic opportunities and social stability in the region,” he said.
Emuh further called for peaceful resolution of the situation in Rivers State in the interest of national stability and economic well-being of the country.
He also appealed to the youths to show restraint, saying that at this critical juncture, it is essential for all stakeholders—government agencies, community leaders, and the youths—to act with wisdom, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest.
