…Warns of environmental risks
…As Ijaw Youths, traditional rulers demand end to gas flaring, better welfare
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has appealed to host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to take greater ownership in protecting critical national infrastructure located within their territories.
General Musa, represented by Navy Captain Lassie Ozovehe, made the call during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. He warned that oil theft and pipeline vandalism continue to inflict severe consequences on local residents.
“These assets lie within your communities. You are direct beneficiaries, so you must play a role in protecting them and shielding your environment from associated risks,” he stated.
He applauded PINL’s continued efforts in safeguarding oil installations, particularly its recent record of zero breaches along the Trans Niger pipelines.
Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, said the company’s mandate has expanded to include the protection of all oil and gas infrastructure within the Eastern Corridor. He credited the cooperation of host communities for the significant reduction in pipeline sabotage and crude oil theft.
Nonetheless, Mezeh pointed out several ongoing issues, including poor intelligence sharing, threats to surveillance operatives, internal conflicts, and collusion among some local stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, environmental advocate Mr Otoyo Sunday expressed concern over the long-term health dangers posed by gas flaring in the Niger Delta. He identified well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining operations as key contributors to air and water pollution in the region.
Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone), Mr Datolu Sokubo, urged the Federal Government to support security initiatives with robust investment in social infrastructure such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
“You cannot secure pipelines without addressing the people’s wellbeing. Infrastructure is never truly safe without community buy-in,” Sokubo argued.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, represented by Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately. He also encouraged PINL to intensify community education on the health and environmental risks posed by oil operations.
Other local leaders echoed the need for improved welfare for surveillance personnel and traditional rulers, noting that such measures would help preserve peace and reduce the likelihood of renewed hostilities targeting oil infrastructure.
