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Stakeholders List Gains Of Pipeline Surveillance …Say It Has Reduced Oil Theft, Vandalism In N’Delta
Oil industry stakeholders, including pipeline host communities have expressed satisfaction with pipeline surveillance strategy adopted to secure the nation’s hydrocarbon resources from crude oil thieves, illegal bunkerers and pipeline vandals.
They said that crude oil theft has reduced by over 90percent, saying that this was evident in the reduced availability of illegally refined product and significant improvement in the terminal recovery factor.
Speaking with newsmen during a tour of some pipeline host communities in Rivers and Abia states, the stakeholders said that some of the gains include restoration restoration of peace and improvement in infrastructure projects in host communities, improvement in environmental and health conditions of the people, increase in crude oil production capacity, among others.
Chairman, Okohia Community Development Committee (CDC), in Owaza, Abia State, Sunny Otuke said that the quick response of personnel of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited to the attack on the 12-inch Transfer Niger Pipeline (TNP) running through the area last Wednesday, saved the communities from devastation arising from a major oil spill.
Otuke said that the attack, carried out at about 5:30 am after the surveillance guards had closed from the night shift, would have massively polluted the environment, and praised the technical team from PINL for the quick response to the attack.
The CDC chairman stated; “The response was swift. Even the workers at the camp didn’t have breakfast, they just rushed down to effect the repairs”.
He explained that the oil thieves resorted to breaking pipes out of frustration because the surveillance guards now prevent them from stealing oil from the pipe.
Otuke applauded the policy of pipeline surveillance and the contactors handling the security surveillance, stressing that they have helped to extensively reduce oil theft and illegal refining that were threatening the peace and well-being of the entire community.
At Norkpo community, Tai Local Government Area in Ogoniland, hosting the 24-inch Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and 28-inch Bonny loop line, villagers said that the pipeline surveillance has not only helped to end illegal bunkering but also fostered peace among the people.
Speaking to journalists on the performance of the surveillance contractor handling the Ogoni axis, Paramount Ruler of Norkpo, Chief Augustine Aminikpo, said that since Pipeline Infrastructure came into the community a year ago, they have made peace to reign in Ogoni axis.
He stated; “In fact, before they came in, you cannot wash and keep outside because of bunkering activities that were going on in this our Ogoni axis. The reason we cannot wash and keep outside was because of soot generated from the activities of illegal refinery operators. But now, the bunkering activities have reduced and the soot that was staining our clothes when we spread them outside has ceased, now you can wash and keep outside, 24-hours.
“In fact, SPDC could not pump crude before but due to efforts of PINL, they are pumping 24 hours now. They can pump one week, they can pump two weeks, they can pump one month.
“They have made peace to reign in Ogoni axis, they engage and empower the youths, chiefs and His Royal Majesty. They even engage the people that the pipeline did not pass through their lands, like people of Okrika, Ogu, Wakama”.
He explained that part of the strategy adopted by the company was massive employment of community youths as part of the pipeline surveillance guards.
He added; “In some communities, they engage 20, some 30, some 40. There are three local government areas in Ogoni that the contractor covers. In each of these local governments, they employ more than 200.
“For now, those boys that were involved in bunkering activities have forgotten about bunkering and joined in securing the pipelines”.
Youth Leader of Norkpo community, Osaro Barisua, corroborated Aminikpo’s views, saying; “Before now, there had been series of sabotage on this pipeline, and we discovered that those responsible for it were the jobless youths. But when this new contractor came in and engaged the youths, things have changed.”
Also speaking, Chief Superintendent (CP) Audu Boniface, Head of the Civil Defense Special Forces from National Headquarters, Abuja, attached to the Zone 3, Owaza Camp, said they were on 24/7 surveillance of pipelines and well heads across Owaza in Abia and Rivers states as part of their statutory functions.
He explained, “We have precisely 130 well heads in Owaza and Odogwa. They are up to 80 functioning actively both in Owaza and Odogwa all feeding the Trans Niger Pipeline. We have spent about four months here and so far, so good. We have made so many arrests and so many prosecutions of the illegal bunkerers/oil thieves.
“I’m very happy that we have made serious achievements here because our presence here scares them away. Immediately the thieves sight us, they run, immediately you go they return. So, we keep on chasing them in order not to continue tampering with the well heads and pipelines.
“Right from Ibaa at Ndele camp, Kpo and Owaza, and Odogwa, the arrests have been more than 50 that we have made. Some have been prosecuted and some released on bail”.
However, the Operational Director of Pipeline Infrastructure explained that Owaza and Norkpo are just a small portion of the Port Harcourt section of Eastern corridor of the security surveillance covered by Pipeline Infrastructure (PINL).
He said that due to the PINL strategic deployment and operations in the Eastern corridor, the company has made 100percent recovery of the 8-inch Nkali flow-station in Imo River II manifold pipeline from historical illegal connection/leak points and clamped points.
He stated; “All infringements/clamps were removed and point saddles welded. The pipeline is currently transferring and receiving crude oil feedstocks from the Nkali flow station to Imo River manifold to Ogale manifolds.
“We made 100percent recovery of the Isinmiri delivery line and 95percent recovery along the dual trunklines on the Imo River II to Ogale Manifold pipeline, both pipelines are operational with 95percent receipt at Ogale manifold since commencement of PINL operation till date.
“Prior to PINL engagement, the delivery lines were abandoned due to multiple infringements and incessant leaks.
“PINL strategic deployment and covert operations are gradually turning the Zone 3 axis of the Trans Niger Pipeline to historical hotspot, and has ensured continuous crude oil flow through the Imo River to Ogale pipelines, among many other major achievements”, he added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.