Table of contents [Show]
- Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have been urged to sustain their collaboration with reputable local security outfits to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta region. This call was made by Dr. Eniwake Orogun, President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly, during the recent Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
- Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long posed serious threats to the Niger Delta, severely impacting Nigeria’s primary revenue source. In response, the Federal Government authorized NNPCL to partner with indigenous security organizations, such as Tantita Security Services Limited, to bolster security operations in the region. This initiative also aims to provide employment opportunities for local youths.
- Speaking at the forum, Dr. Orogun commended NNPCL’s General Managing Director, Dr. Mele Kyari, for the strategic partnership with local security outfits. “The collaboration with these local entities has proven to be effective in curbing oil theft while also empowering the youth,” Orogun stated, emphasizing the dual benefits of this approach.
- Dr. Orogun further urged the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund, as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. “This provision is crucial for the sustainable development of our region,” he noted, stressing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the nation’s resources.
- The forum highlighted the proactive steps taken by youth leaders in the Niger Delta to address the ongoing challenges of oil theft, focusing on solutions that not only enhance security but also foster regional development.
