The Conference of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has strongly criticized the actions of individuals seeking to create controversy surrounding the award of pipeline surveillance contracts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
It is important to note that pipeline surveillance is a critical and complex task that requires utmost dedication to national security. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) prioritizes the safeguarding of oil infrastructure and the maintenance of a functional pipeline corridor to sustainably achieve national production goals.
During a press conference held on Sunday, the CSO specifically called out former militants who are demanding to be awarded these crucial contracts. The group emphasized that being an ex-militant is not a sufficient qualification for such a responsibility. Their message was clear: “Pipeline surveillance demands expertise and commitment, and the decision to award these contracts should be based on what is best for the country, rather than personal considerations towards NNPC Limited or its CEO, Mele Kyari.”
Dominic Ogakwu, the President of the group, highlighted the progress made in Nigeria’s oil production, attributing it to efforts in curbing theft and illegal activities. He cited recent seizures of tankers transporting illegal crude oil and the discovery of a four-kilometre illegal oil connection line from Forcados Terminal into the sea, which had been operating for nine years.
Ogakwu further stated, “It is not surprising that those who benefited from these illicit activities are now fighting back to protect their interests. They are resorting to peddling misinformation and baseless allegations regarding pipeline rehabilitation and surveillance contracts, as a means to safeguard their access to state resources.”
The group believes that certain individuals are driven by self-interest and are attempting to manipulate state resources for personal gain. However, they emphasized the transformative leadership of President Bola Tinubu and urged those seeking to undermine his efforts to reconsider their actions and cease their disruptive activities.
Nigeria’s oil production has witnessed a remarkable surge to over 1.8 million barrels per day, reclaiming its position as Africa’s largest crude oil producer ahead of Algeria and Angola.
The CSO concluded by appealing to those involved in these acts of agitation and threats to prioritize national security and act in the best interest of the nation.
