Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region has applauded the combined efforts of the Nigerian Military, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,NNPCL, the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited,PINL, for their efforts at significantly increasing the country’s oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd).
The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress,NDYCPP, in a statement described the progress as a result of coordinated actions to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism.
This achievement follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July, tasking the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to adopt effective measures aimed at curbing the rising menace of oil theft, which had been crippling the nation’s economy.
The Vice President of the group, Comrade Engr. George Okitikpi, noted that the involvement of local youths has provided a sustainable model for protecting national assets while empowering the region’s communities. According to him, “The community engagement initiatives by PINL and the Nigerian Military’s swift response to intelligence have been instrumental in this success,”
He further said that stakeholders are happy with the PINL’s proactive and community-focused strategies by including and employing thousands of youths from host communities and fostering synergy in securing critical oil infrastructure.
These efforts have not only deterred illicit activities but also built trust among local populations.
The NDYCPP extended gratitude to NNPCL for endorsing these participatory approach and called for continued collaboration to ensure the sustained growth of Nigeria’s oil sector.
