The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups has lauded the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the current pipeline surveillance contract which they said is yielding positive results.
This is contained in a statement signed by National Coordinator Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, National President Isoko Youth Forum, Prince Brozie Utomodo, Convener, South-south Youth Vanguard, Barr. Preye Oporomo, National Coordinator, Niger Delta Youth Movement for Youth Empowerment, Mr. Valentine Ugboli.
The group, however, expressed support for the Managing Director of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari for the initiative to sustain the country’s economic policy by safeguarding the oil pipelines.
“The pipeline surveillance contract has yielded manifold benefits, foremost among them being its significant impact on our oil production capacity. By ensuring the security and integrity of our pipelines, this initiative has bolstered our oil production, contributing positively to the national economy,” the group said.
The Niger Delta groups further stated that the contract has been instrumental in curbing the menace of oil bunkering, a blight they said has plagued the region for far too long.
“The reduction in oil bunkering not only safeguards our precious resources but also has a far-reaching positive effect on the environment, mitigating the devastating ecological consequences of oil spills.
“Perhaps most importantly, the pipeline surveillance contract has become a wellspring of employment opportunities for the youth of the Niger Delta region. It has created both direct and indirect jobs, offering our young people a chance at meaningful livelihoods, thereby reducing the allure of illicit activities driven by unemployment.
“It has come to our attention that there are individuals engaged in orchestrated protests against the leadership of the NNPC and the pipeline surveillance contract.
“We wish to emphatically state that these dissenting voices are in the employ of oil thieves and bunkerers who seek to disrupt the progress we have made, It is essential to recognize that dissenting voices, often driven by vested interests, should not deter us from the path of progress,” the groups noted.
The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups however said it remains committed to working hand in hand with the NNPCl and all stakeholders to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
The groups asserted that their unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximised for the well-being of all Nigerians.
“Finally, we want to also appeal to the Leadership of the NNPCL to carry the Isoko Ethic nationality along in the Pipeline Surveillance contract as the Isoko people are major oil producers, and their commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding oil facilities is evident through years of responsible coexistence with the industry.
“Their track record in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil and the safety of critical infrastructure is commendable. We believe it is both fair and just to recognize the Isoko ethnic nationalities by involving them in pipeline surveillance contracts. Doing so would not only reward their years of dedication but also strengthen the bond between the oil industry and the local communities,” the statement added.
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