Group Commends Tinubu on Pipeline Protection Efforts

A group has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for its initiatives aimed at protecting Nigeria's pipeline infrastructure during a press conference held in Abuja. Comrade Emmanuel Iriogb, speaking on behalf of the group, noted that Nigeria has suffered enormous losses over decades due to pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, which have resulted in trillions of dollars in lost revenue that could have been used for development in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Iriogb emphasized the need for a community-driven security approach, similar to strategies adopted during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, which engaged local communities in pipeline surveillance. He pointed out that the relentless attacks on pipelines and illegal refining operations have made it difficult to determine the exact volume of oil stolen.

The group believes that reducing pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering is crucial for the federal government's budgetary plans, which rely on accurate production data. They advocate for local stakeholders to be involved in protecting pipelines and engaging youth in legitimate economic activities.