The Minister of Petroleum Assets (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has visited conventional rulers in Bayelsa State to hunt their help in ending pipeline vandalism and oil theft within the Niger Delta.
Lokpobiri mentioned the transfer is consistent with the Federal Authorities's dedication to advertise cooperation with key stakeholders within the oil trade and handle the persistent challenges of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and safety insecurities in oil communities within the area.
The Federal Authorities and oil sector operators have repeatedly attributed the decline in Nigerian oil revenues to the continued circumstances of pipeline vandalism and oil theft within the Niger Delta.
On December 25, 2023, The PUNCH completely reported that Nigeria misplaced about N289.6 billion in crude oil income in November 2023, following a decline within the nation's oil manufacturing in that month, in comparison with what it pumped within the earlier month of October.
In keeping with the report, Nigeria produced 41,867,775 million barrels of crude oil (excluding condensates) in October, however this fell to 37,508,971 barrels in November, representing a decline of 4,358,804 barrels.
The drop in manufacturing was attributed to grease theft and in a bid to stem the menace, Lokpobiri, in response to an announcement issued on Saturday in Abuja by his Particular Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, needed to go to a number of conventional rulers.
The assertion learn partly: “One in all these conferences came about with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Conventional Rulers Council of Bayelsa State, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
“Throughout this fascinating assembly, the minister emphasised the necessity for collective efforts to fight pipeline vandalism and oil theft. He known as on His Royal Majesty to make use of his esteemed place to rally different conventional rulers within the state for a united entrance in tackling these challenges.
“The minister acknowledged the essential position that conventional leaders play within the socio-economic material of the area and emphasised the necessity for a joint dedication to securing oil infrastructure.”
Lokpobiri paid his courtesy name on the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru.
“The discussions at this assembly centered on the significance of joint motion in guaranteeing the security of pipelines and combating unlawful actions within the oil sector,” the assertion mentioned.
In one other battle, Lokpobiri met the Pere of the Kumbowei Kingdom, Boloye Embareba.
The talks with Embareba revolved across the want for cooperation between the federal government and conventional rulers to successfully handle safety challenges and enhance crude oil manufacturing.
This ministry acknowledged that the visits underlined the Federal Authorities's goal to extend crude oil manufacturing by actively working with conventional rulers to construct a robust and lasting alliance with native leaders and promote a safe atmosphere that’s conducive to sustainable progress within the oil trade.
