‘Sabotage of oil pipeline an assault on national stability’

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has condemned the recent sabotage of the 18inch Tepidaba-Brass pipeline operated by Oando Plc in Bayelsa State, describing the act as not only an economic crime but an attack on the peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during an inspection of the damaged section of the pipeline in Brass Local Government Area, Lokpobiri said the federal government will deploy every resource necessary to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

“Any attack on our oil facilities is utterly condemnable and must be met with decisive action. Our security agencies are fully mobilized and poised to track down and bring to justice all those behind these acts of sabotage.”

The Minister emphasized that the damaged pipeline is a critical trunk line in Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, and its shut down for maintenance is costing the country significant revenue.

“This pipeline is a major trunk line, critical to our national oil supply. Every day it remains shut, the country suffers immense revenue loss. The operating company bears the brunt, and so does the host community,” he said.

Lokpobiri also reminded host communities that they are direct stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil production through the 3% revenue share provided under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

He urged them to take ownership of oil assets in their domains and collaborate with security agencies to protect them.

“As stakeholders entitled to 3% of the revenue generated under the PIA, any operational hiccup in your community hits your earnings directly. So, staying alert and collaborating with security agencies is not just a duty—it is a mutual interest in protecting both the well-being of the community and the economic advantages that come with it.”

The inspection tour was attended by heads of security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the state, as government intensifies efforts to curb oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta.