The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to perpetrators of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, declaring that it is no longer business as usual for economic saboteurs.
At a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt on Friday, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), said over 100 individuals involved in crude oil theft have already been prosecuted.
“More than 100 persons have been prosecuted. Who you are doesn’t matter—whether you are a general in the army or a military personnel—if you are found guilty, you are going in for it,” Flag-Amachree warned, as delivered by his representative, Young Harry Amachree.
The NSA’s office called on community leaders and stakeholders to discourage youth from vandalizing pipelines and to support PINL in protecting national assets.
Meanwhile, PINL received high praise from the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who was represented by Julius Eddie, his Special Assistant on Host Communities.
“Because of the solutions you have proffered, illegal oil bunkering, popularly known as kpofire, has tremendously reduced in the Niger Delta,” Eddie said. “Your efforts have not only boosted oil production but also earned the ministry recognition on platforms like ThisDay and Arise TV.”
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), PINL announced scholarships for 645 students across its 215 host communities spanning Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa States.
“I bring good news,” said Tarilah Alamieyeseigha, Community Relations Executive of PINL. “Management has approved scholarships for three persons from each host community—645 in total—with immediate effect.”
Alamieyeseigha also disclosed that PINL is partnering with the NSA to build a facility for improved investigation and prosecution related to pipeline sabotage and is planning a skill acquisition program for women.
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, emphasized that the meeting aimed to strengthen community relations and review ongoing operations along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). He highlighted the recent completion of a water project in Rivers State’s Asarama community as part of ongoing development initiatives.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) also joined the call for vigilance. Engr. Akponine Omojevwe of the NNPCL Project Monitoring Office urged subcontractors to conduct background checks before hiring, stressing the importance of integrity in safeguarding the pipeline.
“For PINL ratings to go up, your subcontractors must do their jobs effectively,” Omojevwe said. “Before employing from the communities, carry out due diligence—most times, you’ll suffer for it if you don’t.”
The engagement session allowed community stakeholders to voice concerns and commend PINL for maintaining open dialogue and tangible impact in the region.
