Government Officials Confer With Bayelsa Monarchs To Combat Rising Oil Theft

Government Officials Confer With Bayelsa Monarchs To Combat Rising Oil Theft

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has embarked on a diplomatic mission to traditional rulers in Bayelsa State, seeking their collaboration to eradicate pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta……CONTINUE READING

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This initiative is in alignment with the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry and addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and security concerns in oil communities across the region.

The Federal Government and oil sector operators have consistently attributed the decline in Nigeria’s oil earnings to the recurring incidents of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta. According to a December 25, 2023 report by The PUNCH, Nigeria suffered a loss of approximately N289.6 billion in crude oil revenue in November 2023 due to a significant drop in oil output compared to the previous month.

The report indicated that Nigeria produced 41,867,775 million barrels of crude (excluding condensates) in October, but this decreased to 37,508,971 barrels in November, representing a decline of 4,358,804. The reduction in output was attributed to oil theft, prompting Lokpobiri to take proactive measures to address the issue.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri emphasized the need for collective efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and oil theft during his meetings with traditional rulers. One of these meetings occurred with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, King Bubaraye Dakolo.

During the engagement, Lokpobiri urged the traditional ruler to leverage his esteemed position to rally other leaders in the state for a unified front in addressing the challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and oil theft. Recognizing the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the minister stressed the importance of a joint commitment to securing oil infrastructure.

Lokpobiri further extended his courtesy visit to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru. Discussions during this meeting centered on the significance of collaborative action in ensuring the security of pipelines and combating illicit activities in the oil sector.

In another meeting, Lokpobiri engaged with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, Boloye Embareba, focusing on the necessity for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to effectively address security challenges and enhance crude production.

The Ministry highlighted that these visits underscored the Federal Government’s objective of increasing crude production by actively engaging with traditional rulers, building a strong and enduring alliance with local leaders, and fostering a secure environment conducive to sustainable growth in the oil industry.

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