From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Traditional rulers from communities along the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa State have pledged to combat pipeline vandalism.
Monarchs from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas, including HRM King Joshua Igbuguru (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 at a stakeholder meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) at Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa, over the weekend.
The monarchs praised PINL for fostering community involvement to tackle economic sabotage. “PINL has worked with other stakeholders… to turn the tide against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft,” said Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL Consultant, Community Relations. They vowed to support PINL’s efforts to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) oil production target.
Mezeh highlighted PINL’s success in protecting the Trans-Niger Pipeline through strategic community engagement, collaboration with security agencies, and social investments. “There is near zero infraction on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, thus leading to increased crude oil production,” he said. These efforts have boosted investor confidence and national revenue while addressing socio-economic drivers of oil theft.
Ojukaye Flag Amachree, Director of Energy Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, represented by Amakiri Young Harry, commended Bayelsans for supporting the federal government’s vision. He reiterated the commitment to achieving the 2.5 million bpd target.