We’ve Experienced 45,347 Pipeline Vandalism In 18 Years – Kyari

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, says  between 2001 and the middle of 2019, the national oil firm has recorded a total of 45,347 vandalism on its downstream pipeline network.

Kyari made this disclosure in a keynote address at the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference and Exhibition organized by the Pipelines Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

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During the event, the NNPC helmsman stressed that the theme of this year’s conference ‘Pipeline Assets: Critical Backbone for Socio-Economic Development’, is in line with the corporation’s desires to reinforce the narrative of the critical role of pipeline assets to the nation’s energy security and economic progress.

“As a major player in the oil and gas industry, NNPC operates over 5,000 kilometers of pipelines traversing many communities to link terminals, 3 refineries and 20 depots for efficient transportation of crude oil and refined products.

“In addition, NNPC has over 1,700 kilometers of natural gas pipelines to supply gas to power plants and gas-based industries, including deliveries to trans-national reception points,” the GMD said.

He lamented that these huge pipeline assets have become difficult to operate efficiently as a result of incessant activities of vandals and other criminal syndicates that were becoming increasingly sophisticated.

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Kyari however stated that the Corporation will work together with PLAN to improve reliability of pipeline network and also find a lasting solution against the menace of pipeline vandalism and encourage investment in pipeline assets.

“The current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to boost domestic gas utilization to improve power generation & spin up industrial growth. The success of this laudable initiative will require the support of all, especially p/line professionals,” The GMD noted.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of PLAN, Mr. Geoff Onuoha, described the nation’s pipelines as the arteries driving the prosperity of the national economy, assuring the management of NNPC of PLAN’s support to enable her run its pipelines efficiently.

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