The federal government has declared that it adopt tougher sanctions against those involved in illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, made the vow while speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by a pipeline surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, River State capital.
He disclosed that already, 100 persons suspected to be involved in illegal bunkering activities have been prosecuted, warning that anyone found guilty of such acts would be prosecuted and sent to jail.
Flag-Amachree, represented by Young Harry Amakiri at the forum, appealed to stakeholders and community leaders to caution their children and youths against vandalising oil pipelines.
“We want to plead with you to talk to our brothers, we all know these persons involved in these acts. Talk them out of these, it would help, because the business is not as usual as before, it has changed.
“As I’m talking to you, more than 100 persons have been prosecuted. Who you are doesn’t matter, even though you are a General in the army, you are a military personnel, whatever you are, if you are found guilty, you are going in for it,” he said.
PINL’s Community Relations Executive, Tarilah Alamieseigha, in his welcome address said the management of firm has approved a total of 646 scholarships and other packages for the 215 communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Alamieseigha noted that the company’s collaboration with the host communities have led to significant boost in oil production and called for increased synergy.
“I thank you for this collaborative effort to boost oil production in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With your collaboration and with your effort, we’ve been able to see economic growth in the nation,” he said.
