NNPC boss solicits assistance to curb pipeline vandalism

……Ajimobi wants market forces to drive oil price
Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr Maikanti Baru, has urged the Oyo and Osun State Governments to assist the corporation in curbing activities of pipeline vandals.

Baru, who made the appeal on Wednesday during the re-inauguration of the loading operations in NNPC, Ibadan depot, noted that vandalism of pipelines was affecting the operations of the corporation.

He warned the vandals to desist from their nefarious act, that their illegal activity was detrimental to the national economic growth.

It could be recalled that the Ibadan Depot of the NNPC suspended loading operations in 2015 due to incessant pipeline vandalism but Baru, on assumption of duty in the corporation, promised to resuscitate the depot.

He expressed optimism that the re-activation of the depot and effective distribution of petroleum products would boost the economy of Ibadan and its environs.

Baru assured members of staff of NNPC other stakeholders that the corporation would continue to function to resolve various challenges facing the corporation.

Chief Suleiman Oladiti, the Chairman, Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD), said Baru had lived up to his promise of not leaving any stone unturned at ensuring re-activation of the various depots across the country.

He said members of PTD had been cooperating with the NNPC for the smooth distribution of petroleum products from Mosimi depot to various destinations throughout the time of loading suspension at Ibadan depot.

He called on the. NNPC management to join PTD in ensuring the reduction of road crashes involving fuel tankers to zero level by enhancing effort on safety standard.

“In as much as the association appreciates the revamping and re-commissioning of the deposit in Ibadan,it becomes imperative for the management of NNPC not to compromise on safety standard.

‘’This will go a long way in achieving the desired objectives,’’ he said.

Also, the Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Raheem Tayo, called for effective maintenance of the pipelines to ensure constant supply of all petroleum products.

The Governor of Oyo state, Mr Abiola Ajimobi, commended NNPC for resuscitating Ibadan depot, saying that the move would boost the economy of Ibadan, the state capital and the state in general.

He promised to assist the corporation in the area of security in curbing activities of vandals.

The governor, however, advised the corporation to form security committee that would from time to time monitor activities of its various unions.

Speaking on the occasion, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, stated that market forces should be allowed to determine the prices of petroleum products.

The governor urged NNPC to look for ways of engaging private investors in partnership, particularly in the area of setting up refinery.

The governor, who commended NNPC for its achievements in its retail business, requested for the construction of more outlets in the state.

“Oyo State is one of the most cosmopolitan states in Nigeria with a large population.

“ We all know that such a state would no doubt be among the largest consumers of petroleum products.

“NNPC should open more outlets, particularly in Ibadan, and be more competitive. You can even allow state governments to register for allocations,’’ he said.

He said that the NNPC depot in Ibadan had stopped working since the 1990s, adding that this had led to shortage in the supply of petroleum products to the state.

Ajimobi said that his administration had given some patrol vans to security agencies used in monitoring pipelines against acts of vandalism.

Earlier, Baru said he was in the state for the inauguration of the depot that had not been functioning in the last 20 years.
He said many pipeline network had been restored across the country.

“We have lost lot of products and human lives to vandalism. We have embarked on the ongoing restoration of the pipelines in line with the APC-led administration in the country.

“President Muhammadu Buhari gave us orders and support to achieve all these and I am confident that we will deliver,’’ he said.

He called on the governor to assist NNPC in sensitising residents on the dangers inherent in pipeline vandalism.

“As a political class, you are more closer to the grassroots. We are appealing to you to help us enlighten our people on the dangers,” he said.

NAN reports that Baru, however, declined comments on the allegations leveled against him by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, when approached by newsmen.