The Minister of State for Petroleum Assets (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has visited conventional rulers in Bayelsa State to hunt their assist to finish pipeline vandalism and oil theft within the Niger Delta.
Lokpobiri mentioned the transfer aligned with the Federal Authorities’s dedication to foster cooperation with key stakeholders within the oil trade and handle the persistent challenges of pipeline vandalism, crude theft and safety uncertainties in oil communities throughout the area.
The Federal Authorities and oil sector operators have repeatedly blamed the drop in Nigeria’s oil earnings on the incessant circumstances of pipeline vandalism and oil theft within the Niger Delta.
On December 25, 2023, The PUNCH completely reported that Nigeria misplaced about N289.6bn crude oil income in November 2023, following a plunge within the nation’s oil output in that month, when in comparison with what it pumped within the previous month of October.
The report said that Nigeria produced 41,867,775 million barrels of crude (excluding condensates) in October, however this plunged to 37,508,971 barrels in November, representing a decline of 4,358,804.
The drop in output was attributed to grease theft, and in a bid to halt the menace, Lokpobiri, in accordance with an announcement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Particular Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, needed to go to varied conventional rulers.
The assertion learn partially, “One in all these conferences occurred with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Conventional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
“On this partaking encounter, the minister harassed the crucial of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalism and oil theft. He referred to as on His Royal Majesty to utilise his esteemed place to rally different conventional rulers within the state for a unified entrance in addressing these challenges.
“Recognising the essential function conventional leaders play within the socio-economic material of the area, the minister emphasised the necessity for a joint dedication to securing the oil infrastructure.”
Lokpobiri prolonged his courtesy go to to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru.
“The discussions throughout this assembly have been centered on the significance of collaborative motion in guaranteeing the safety of pipelines and combating illicit actions within the oil sector,” the assertion added.
In one other engagement, Lokpobiri met with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, Boloye Embareba.
The discussions with Embareba revolved across the want for collaboration between the federal government and conventional rulers to successfully handle safety challenges and improve crude manufacturing.
This ministry said that the visits underscored the Federal Authorities’s goal of accelerating crude manufacturing by actively partaking with conventional rulers to construct a robust and enduring alliance with native leaders and fostering a safe setting conducive to sustainable progress within the oil trade.