Stakeholders from the six states of the Niger Delta region, including former militant leaders, have commended President Bola Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Engr Mele Kyari, and the Olu of Warri of kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, over the successes recorded at securing oil and gas infrastructures, as well as the war against oil thieves in the region.
The stakeholders, made up of traditional chiefs, Youth leaders and experts in the Oil and Gas sector, said despite inheriting a shabby economy and poorly managed oil and gas infrastructures, the President Tinubu-led administration has successfully harnessed the various security apparatus, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and others to achieve noticeable victories against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The stakeholders and ex-militant leaders made this commendation during a meeting of members of the Anti-Pipeline TaskForce from the six states of the Niger Delta region who converged at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on June 12, 2024.
Ex-Militant leader and National Coordinator of the Anti-Pipeline Vandalization/Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering Taskforce Group, Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder (a.k.a OSAMA), while speaking during the meeting, noted that the strategy and modus operandi of the NNPCL has yielded “immense positive results” as there is now a drastic increase in the nation’s crude oil production output on daily basis and heavy reduction in the incessant issues of oil thieves and pipeline vandalism.
Pathfinder said there is sanity, transparency and ease of doing business in the nation’s oil sector, and the Niger Delta region is safe for the IOC’s to operate, “as critical stakeholders who are committed to the spirit of nation building and peaceful coexistence in the country”
He also pointed out that, as a group made up of ex-militant leaders and stakeholders from the oil producing communities cutting across the six South South oil producing states in the Niger Delta region, they have dedicated their lives to the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the creeks of of Niger Delta for the purpose of sanity, while critically applauding the policies and achievements of Mr President within his one year in office, including the frantic efforts and commitment of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari, based on their achievement and commitments by ensuring the activities of saboteurs are drastically reduced.
“We hail Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Mele Kyari for the enormous results achieved within this one year in the nation’s oil and gas sector.”
The group also lauded the Olu of Warri kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, who doubles as the chairman, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, and Ocean Marine Solutions Company, OMS.
They also commended the pragmatic leadership qualities and efforts and commitments of the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited PNL, Mr Osahon Okunbo for firmly piloting the affairs of the company, “as duo stood firm to keep the vision and mission statement of the founder and chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions Company alive and its conglomerates, High Chief Dr Capt Hosa Okunbo, describing such effort as highly commendable.
The group also appreciated the gesture of the Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited PINL, for coming up with scholarships and donation of food items to over 150 host communities in Abia, Bayelsa, Imo and Rivers States during the flood disaster, and added that, “PINL stands out to be one of the best companies that is handling the nation’s pipeline surveillance and oil infrastructural facilities in the heart of the Niger Delta region.”
They also acknowledged one of the Niger Delta finest security expert, DCN Shola Mese and the General Manager/ Community Relations Manager of the Company, Comrade Akpos Meze for their patriotism and skilful disposition and tieless commitment in building a synergy between the host communities of the pipeline infrastructures and facilities to ensure a secure Niger Delta region, and for his impact made in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
“While DCN Shola Mese popularly known as Mr FBI, is one of the nation’s finest security experts who has committed a lot to nation building and humanitarian services, Comrade Akpos Meze is appreciated for his skilful disposition and tieless commitment in building a synergy between the host communities of the pipeline infrastructures and facilities in making sure that the host communities stakeholders and the traditional rulers in the various host communities are properly engaged for a cordial peaceful aminious working relation.
“They are both professional to the core and their track record can be seen visibly in the current peace the region is enjoying today because they are deeply concerned and committed in the war against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and has demonstrated his expertise in combating other security challenges confronting the country today.
“Comrade Akpos Meze laudable efforts as the General Manager/ community relations manager has brought about peace and harmony between the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited company management and their host communities while caring out pipeline surveillance operations in the regio,” Pathfinder added.
