Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Hon. Dakuku Peterside,  has called on Nigerians to join hands and work towards protecting the nation’s oil pipelines.
Peterside made the plea at Enugu Depot, during an oversight visit by his committee to Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The chairman, who could not hide his displeasure over the poor state of infrastructure at the depot, called on stakeholders to reverse the ugly trend by working together.
“I have listened patiently to all the speakers. It is indeed disheartening and unbelievable that Enugu Depot is not working. You will agree with me that Enugu is critical and strategic, therefore this depot must work”, he said.
According to him, part of the problem with the depot is the general issue of pipeline vandalism, contending that everybody has a role to play if we hope to put this national shame behind us.
“We must play this role of protecting our pipelines because they primarily serve us, not NNPC. Therefore, we must assist the law enforcement agents in their search for these unpatriotic Nigerians who are sabotaging government efforts”.
Peterside also assured Nigerians that the legislature will do everything within its powers to address the matter.
According to him, the National Assembly is taking the issue of pipeline vandalism very seriously and part of the hope, he said, is directly tied to the Petroleum Industry Bill which will unbundle NNPC and create room for competition and efficiency.
Earlier, Peterside had paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Enugu State, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Sunday Onyebuchi,.
The committee later proceeded to Abia in continuation of its visit to PPMC Port Harcourt Area Office, and had audience with the Governor of Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji, who commended Peterside and his team.