Bayelsa communities, stakeholders back FG on oil theft, pipeline vandalism
Not less than 60 communities located along the Trans- Niger Pipeline in Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGA’s in Bayelsa have vowed to partner with the federal government to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
They praised the “steadfast contributions of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the dedicated security agencies” for their efforts in the protection of national energy assets.
They made this known in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital, at an interactive meeting hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL) for community leaders, traditional rulers, environmental rights groups and other stakeholders.
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, a pipeline monitoring and asset protection company, mandate areas cover 215 host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) within Rivers, Abia, Bayelsa and Imo States.
Mr Timi Ogoriba, who represented the communities in Bayelsa axis, praised Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the newly constituted NNPCL board for their transformative and visionary reforms aimed at restoring order, efficiency and accountability within Nigeria’s vital oil sector.
According to Ogoriba, the collaborative and transparent approach by the regulatory authorities “has not only rekindled investor confidence but is also proving pivotal in unlocking long dormant opportunities within the energy landscape.”
He commended PINL for its “exceptional professionalism and community focused approach to pipeline monitoring and assets protection”, adding that their proactive engagement with local communities and key stakeholders has contributed to increased crude oil output.
Timi Ogoriba, a former President, Movement of the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic in the Niger-Delta (MOSIEND) urged the federal government to complement security interventions with comprehensive policies that tackle the socioeconomic and environmental conditions driving pipeline sabotage and illegal bunkering.
Mr Akpos Mezeh, a representative of PINL, said the interaction with stakeholders was called to assess its performance in its mandate areas.
He praised pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd for achieving near zero vandalism on the TNP, adding that this has lead to uninterrupted operation from oilfields such as Diebi Creek, Gbarian and Nun River.
According to him, the problem of soot in the air has abated with the environment enjoying “some level of restoration”.
He said skills acquisition centres for women and youths have been approved, stressing it will provide gainful employment for local communities.
Mezeh urged paramount rulers to wade into leadership disputes in some Community Development Councils (CDC) , stressing that no meaningful development can take place during crisis.
He decried what he described as “stakeholders connivance” , adding that some members of communities aid and abet criminals.
