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IPMAN Seeks Death Penalty For Pipeline Vandals
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Federal Government to extend the death penalty to saboteurs of the nation’s petroleum products pipelines.
The call for the ultimate price stemmed from the increasing activities of some unpatriotic elements who had been destroying the nation’s economy through vandalism of the pipelines.
Alhaji Dele Tajudeen, chairman of the Ogun State chapter of IPMAN, told newsmen, Saturday in Lagos, that only severe sanctions could curb the destruction of oil pipelines.
Tajudeen identified the NNPC system 2B network and other channels of products transportation as the worst sabotaged pipeline network in the country.
“Government should enforce death penalty on pipelines vandals in other to curb incessant vandalism along its network. In the last one year, Ogun State chapter of IPMAN has contributed immensely to the effective monitoring and surveillance of NNPC products networks,’’ he said.
Tajudeen said that IPMAN had in the last one year spent more than six million naira to acquire pipelines monitoring equipment to complement the efforts of the NNPC.
According to him, IPMAN members contribute between N500,000 and N600,000 monthly to curb destruction of NNPC petroleum products pipeline network in Ogun.
He described as unacceptable to IPMAN, the linking of high unemployment in the country with vandalism of the pipelines.
“We cannot leave government alone in the effort to curb pipeline vandalism and the only way to demonstrate such support is through acquiring of tools and equipment to checkmate vandals. We have bought various items such as vehicles, motorcycles, rain coats, rain boots, touch lights and pipeline detectors,” he said.
He said that IPMAN remained committed to the Federal Government’s effort toward sustainable pipelines surveillance.
“We don’t want anything that would hinder our distribution network; so we want to ensure effective surveillance of our pipelines. Marketers can no longer fold their hands and watch a few individuals destroy the nation’s natural endowment. Illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and products’ theft have particularly impacted on the capacity of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets to function optimally,’’ he said.
Tajudeen also pledged the association’s support in ensuring adequate protection of the pipelines.
The NNPC had announced a loss of N174 billion in revenue to pipeline vandalism in the past 10 years.
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
