In a bold move, the National Awareness Forum (NAF), a pan-Nigeria group, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to promptly terminate the oil pipelines surveillance contracts awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL). The private security company, operated by the Itsekiri monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, has been tasked with overseeing oil pipelines in parts of the Niger Delta and South-East regions.
The NAF’s call comes in response to an alarming revelation by NNPCL management, reporting 112 cases of crude oil theft between December 23rd and 29th, 2023. The group accuses PINL of collusion with unscrupulous oil barons to sabotage the nation’s economy, asserting that the private security outfit, in collaboration with criminals, is behind the surge in crude oil theft.
READ MORE
Alhaji Muhammed Tijani Anaje Appointed As The New “Ohinoyi of Ebiraland“
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, NAF President Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Abdullahi and Publicity Secretary Mr. Ikechukwu Ngonzi lamented that the scenes of the illicit oil deals were under the surveillance of PINL. The group contends that PINL has egregiously failed to deliver on its responsibilities and has requested the Presidency to intervene, urging the revocation of the contract due to a breach of agreement.
NAF emphasized that its preliminary findings align with the areas covered by PINL’s contractual agreement in Rivers and Imo states, where the majority of the oil theft incidents occurred. The group points out that PINL’s track record is marred by inefficiency, citing a similar situation with the Trans-Forcados pipelines in Delta state, which experienced frequent attacks under PINL’s protection but found peace when entrusted to another private security company.
Highlighting PINL’s alleged negligence, NAF argues that the company prioritizes financial gains over fulfilling its contractual obligations. The group contends that while other private security outfits diligently guard pipelines, PINL has neglected its responsibilities, contributing to the nation’s economic losses.
NAF concludes that retaining PINL for surveillance contracts lacks wisdom, given its failure to deliver and pocketing substantial funds annually “for doing nothing.” The group calls on the Presidency to take decisive action, asserting that those collaborating with illicit oil barons to steal the nation’s oil wealth cannot be entrusted to safeguard the very installations and facilities they are sabotaging.
