MOSIEND Hails Joint Efforts Of PINL, Military, NNPCL, Community Stakeholders In Curbing Economic Sabotage, By Addressing Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalization, Illegal Bunkery In Niger/Delta

The MOSIEND in a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday the 3rd of December 2024 highlighted remarkable achievements executed within the time frame by the he Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), NNPC, Community and Military stakeholders

The full text of the conference reads Thus:- For decades, pipeline vandalization, 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.

These challenges have threatened the foundation of our heavily oil-dependent economy by draining our revenue, hindering development and contributing to hybrid environmental and health
challenges.

Today, we are here to commend the unprecedented synergy among key
players that has brought about remarkable progress in addressing these issues and to recognize and celebrate a milestone in the ongoing fight against oil theft and illegal bunkering in Nigeria.

The focus of this conference is to accentuate and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its commitment in addressing the long-standing issues of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and their detrimental impact on our nation’s oil-dependent economy.

Also, to commend the proactive measures and strategic interventions implemented by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and other partners, that has led to a remarkable turnaround in our fortunes and the government for making it possible.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian business concern has been innovative in strategic and operational excellence in pipeline surveillance and management. Their dedication to building a sustainable Pipeline security framework is highly commendable.

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.

As stakeholders and representatives of oil-producing communities, we particularly commend PINL for its inclusive approach in engaging oil-
producing communities. The integration of local stakeholders in monitoring and protecting pipeline infrastructure has provided employment opportunities, empowered communities, and built trust, this model demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven solutions in addressing national challenges while fostering peaceful coexistence.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local communities, particularly the youths and traditional institutions, who have taken ownership of protecting their environment and urge them to continue to collaborate with PINL as it will attract benefits to the communities, empower residents through employment opportunities, skills development, and shared responsibility for pipeline security.

PINL’S collaboration with host communities has seen interventions such as provision of portable water, relief materials to flood affected communities in Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa, medical outreach and skills acquisition as a means of youth engagement and sustainable economic empowerment, these actions have fostered a safer environment in oil-producing areas, reducing unrest and fostering stability.

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.

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.

Through advanced surveillance technologies, community engagement, and operational efficiency, PINL has curtailed to a large extent, cases of pipeline vandalisation and illegal bunkering in Rivers, Abia and Imo States.

The collaboration of the military, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and PINL in the reinvigorated onslaught against illegal bunkering has yielded laudable results and it exemplifies the benefits of commitment of purpose, transparency, accountability, and should be sustained.

This success story demonstrates the potential for transformation when public, private, and community actors work together in unity and a testament to what can be achieved through collective action, dedication, and trust.

We, therefore, reaffirm our commitment as MOSIEND to continue supporting efforts that promote transparency, security, and
sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

The combined efforts of these stakeholders have yielded significant benefits, including reduction in oil theft that has translated into increased crude oil exports and revenue for the Federal Government, which are critical for national development and Nigeria has reclaimed its position as a major crude oil producer, thanks to the improved operational environment.

It has also impacted positively in the reduction in environmental degradation, due to fewer cases of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism, the ecological damage to the Niger Delta is being contained, setting the stage for long-term environmental restoration.