THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has decried rising pipeline vandalism and also condemned about 700 breaches recorded on Aba-Enugu pipeline.
The Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr Maikanti Baru, made the disclosure during a courtesy call on the Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu recently.
Baru said the corporation and the Enugu State Government have pledged to work together to revamp the strategic Enugu depot towards meeting the petroleum products demand of the entire South-East region and beyond.
Baru said about 700 breaches recorded on the pipeline have hampered efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products not only in the state, but in the entire South-East region.
The GMD explained that even after the Aba-Enugu pipeline was repaired, it still had to be shut down as the corporation hardly gets up to 50 per cent of the products pumped.
He described Enugu depot as a major NNPC supply and distribution infrastructure in the entire South-East region which requires the support of all stakeholders bring back to life.
According to the GMD, the Osisioma and Nsirimo areas, both in Abia State as well as Ishiagwu in Ebonyi State was the major vandalism flash points along the line where illegal connections for diversion of products had been observed almost on a daily basis.
He, therefore, called on the governor to rally his counterparts in the region to work with the NNPC and security agencies to secure the strategic pipeline, which he said would go a long way in reviving efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products in the area.
“This depot is not only strategic to the South East, it also serves as a bridge to Makurdi Depot in the North Central as well as the Yola Depot in the North East,” he noted.
Governor Ugwuanyi assured the Dr Baru that he would rally other governors from the region to ensure that the Aba-Enugu pipeline is secured from the unwholesome activities of vandals.
He assured that the Enugu State Task Force on Petroleum Products would work with NNPC officials and relevant security agencies to ascertain the exact incident spots with a view to securing the pipeline. Besides, Dr. Baru reiterated his commitment to indigenous companies operating in the oil and gas industry to grow to their fullest potential.
The GMD stated this during official unveiling of 11 new helicopters to Caverton Offshore Group, an indigenous aviation and marine logistics service provider, commended the company for its high quality services to the oil and gas sector.
He said with the Federal Government doing so much to stabilise the economy, NNPC would continue to encourage investors like Caverton Group in the keeping with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act.
“The award of a new contract by the NNPC/Chevron JV and the capacity of the Caverton Group to respond and mobilise with the introduction of 11 brand new helicopters exhibit the quality of character and tenacity of purpose of the company’s management.
“The development also represents true commitment towards ensuring seamless running of the nation’s oil and gas industry and by extension the Nigerian economy,” Baru said.
The firm was last year awarded a five-year logistics support contract by CNL, operator of the NNPC/CNL JV, for provision of aviation services with a two-year renewable option.
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