Nigeria govt commits to resolve pipeline vandalism

The Nigerian government and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have resolved to work together to stop the attacks on oil and gas installations.

The groups met, Thursday, to discuss attacks on pipelines in communities, the latest one being the attack on a Chevron mains electricity feed.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, told journalists that all states in the region would nominate 4 or 5 representatives that will work hand-in-hand with security agencies to secure oil facilities in their respective states.

He reportedly said there was the need to restructure the Amnesty Programme for the Niger Delta to address the critical issue of neglect by the government and international oil companies.

Press Release:

FG, Niger Delta Stakeholders Resolve to Stem Pipeline Vandalism

Read here https://t.co/tZpd9cs0Lv pic.twitter.com/HqiiV4ibuQ

— NNPC Group (@NNPCgroup) May 26, 2016

A statement issued by the group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Garba Deen Mohammed further quoted Kachikwu as saying, “The Niger Delta Governors must be involved in providing lasting solutions to the resurgence of pipeline vandalism and there is urgent need to create business opportunities for the locals in the region.”

Gov. Adams Oshiomole of Edo State and other leaders of the Niger Delta region who spoke at the meeting urged the agitators to drop their arms and embrace dialogue as the Federal government was committed to the development of the area.