Omiete Joseph
A group under the aegis of Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has stated the reason for smooth oil production was because the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the military and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) ensure security in the pipelines in the region.
The group made the commendation yesterday, in Port Harcourt, at a press conference “X-raying the gains in the fight against illegal bunkering: the surveillance prospective”.
Speaking, the spokesperson of MOSIEND, Charles Omusuku noted that through trust-building measures, employment opportunities, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, PINL has transformed communities from being passive observers to active partners in protecting oil infrastructure.
He said success of PINL in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering “is a testament to the power of collaboration between private-sector innovation, community engagement, and government support”.
According to Omusuku “For decades, pipeline vandalisation, oil theft and illegal bunkering have long posed significant threats to our nation’s economy and the coastal livelihoods of millions in the oil producing communities, this scourge has plagued our oil industry, resulting in significant revenue losses, environmental degradation, and insecurity within oil-producing Communities”.
He noted that the challenges have threatened the foundation of the heavily oil dependent economy by draining the nation’s revenue, hindering development and contributing to hybrid environmental and health
challenges.
Omusuku stressed that PINL’s approach, leveraging on top-notch technology and grassroots engagement, has recorded uninterrupted operations in the way of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) due to near zero infraction.
He stated that “The partnership of PINL and the military in the fight against oil theft and sundry vices has played an indispensable role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure. The unwavering commitment to security challenges, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to threats has significantly improved the safety of oil installations and deterred criminal activities”.
Also that “The presence of the PINL and the military taskforce in the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta ensures that the menace of illegal bunkering and oil theft is curtailed to the barest minimum if not completely eradicated”.
He further noted that through advanced surveillance technologies, community engagement, and operational efficiency, PINL curtailed to a large extent, cases of pipeline vandalisation and illegal bunkering in Rivers, Abia and Imo States.
The group, commending the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL) on their commitment in the smooth process of the oil production, reaffirm commitment to continue supporting efforts that promote transparency, security, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.