Abuja – Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), has embarked on a significant initiative to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region. The Minister held crucial meetings with traditional rulers in Bayelsa State, seeking their support in the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance oil production.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have been detrimental to Nigeria’s oil production, leading to an inability to meet production targets and fund the national budget. Recent oil production data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed a 7.4% decrease to 1.25 million barrels per day in November 2023, down from 1.35 million barrels per day in October. Total production, including condensate oil, also dropped by 6.1% to 1.466 million barrels per day last month, compared to 1.56 million barrels per day in October.
Senator Lokpobiri’s media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, highlighted the Minister’s efforts, stating that he “embarked on a series of insightful and collaborative courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Bayelsa State. This strategic initiative aligns with the Minister’s unwavering commitment to foster cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalization, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oil-bearing communities across the region.”
During these visits, Senator Lokpobiri met with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo. The Minister emphasized the need for collective action in addressing pipeline vandalization and oil theft, urging the traditional ruler to leverage his position to rally other leaders in the state for a unified front against these challenges.
Additionally, Senator Lokpobiri held separate meetings with the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, HRM Edmund Daukoru, and the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, HRM Boloye Sufadoh Embareba. The discussions focused on the importance of collaborative efforts to secure pipelines and combat illicit activities in the oil sector.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a secure and prosperous oil sector, underscoring the vital link between a flourishing oil industry and national prosperity. By engaging with traditional rulers, Senator Lokpobiri aims to establish a robust alliance with local leaders, fostering a secure environment conducive to sustainable growth in the oil industry.
