The Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, says the federal government is committed to achieving crude oil production target of 2.5million barrels per day.
The National Security, Nuhu Ribadu, made this statement on Friday in Yenagoa during a stakeholders meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, to appraise the company’s operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline.
Ribadu explained that stiffer action was already being taken against oil vandals threatening national assets and local communities.
The NSA, represented by the Director of Energy at the NSA office, Amachree Young-Harry, revealed that a special committee comprising investigative and prosecuting teams has been working assiduously to bring offenders to justice.
According to him, over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to Port Harcourt prison.
“The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal. Success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved,”; he said.
On his part, the PINL Consultant, Communities Relations, Akpos Mezeh, said that the PINL has recorded major successes in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline, TNP, through close collaboration with host communities, government security agencies, and other key stakeholders.
“By investing in community needs, resolving disputes, and restoring the environment, PINL has helped reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“The result has been near-zero infractions on the pipeline, improved crude oil production, and greater investor confidence, all contributing to increased national revenue,”; he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Ijaw communities have always supported Nigeria’s unity and economic stability as well as taking the lead in the management of pipelines through companies like PINL.
Okaba faulted the current terms of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, especially the three percent allocation to host communities, calling it an “insult.”;
The INC President called for better agreements and full respect for such terms by both the company and the Federal Government.
