Traditional rulers from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas of Bayelsa State yesterday called on the federal government, especially the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to hold regular meetings with stakeholders and pipeline surveillance companies.
They maintained that such kind of engagement, as practiced by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), is key to reducing pipeline vandalism and improving oil production.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities in the three local government areas during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by PINL to appraise the company’s operations on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr) WSJ Igbugburu X, commended PINL for its continuous dialogue with host communities, urging other surveillance firms to follow suit.
He also emphasised that close collaboration with local leaders and community members would help tackle criminal activities and secure critical oil infrastructure, thereby boosting national revenue.
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day, the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, noted that President Bola Tinubu is determined to meet the goal, stressing that collective action from all stakeholders is key to success.
Represented by the special adviser on Energy, Security and Finance to the NSA, Amakiri Harry-Young, Ribadu assured participants that the government is already taking necessary steps, including prosecutions and increased surveillance, to secure oil infrastructure and boost production.
He disclosed that over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to prison. According to him, this move follows concerns raised during a previous meeting about the arrest and quick release of oil vandals, which often leads to further insecurity in affected communities.
“The president is serious about the 2.5 million barrels and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal,” he said, adding that success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
In his address, PINL consultant, Community Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said that 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 to reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He added 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 porta cabins.