Griftson Omatsuli, the Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Niger Delta Affairs, has voiced concerns over calls to withdraw the services of pipeline surveillance companies in the Niger Delta region.
During a visit to the 87-kilometre Trans Forcados Pipeline managed by indigenous firm Ocean Marine Solutions, Omatsuli described such a move as “dangerous.”
He emphasized that pipeline vandalism negatively impacts the economy, ecosystem, health, infrastructure, and aquatic life in the region.
Warning against dismissing surveillance firms
Omatsuli argued that discontinuing the services of surveillance firms would worsen vandalism and reduce government revenue from oil sales.
He praised the efforts of surveillance companies, the Nigerian Navy, and regulatory agencies in curbing crude oil theft and vandalism.
The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom also supported ongoing surveillance efforts and urged the Federal Government to sustain them to combat vandals effectively.
The presidential delegation that inspected key oil facilities in the Niger Delta region recently revealed that Nigeria loses $4 million daily due to crude theft and vandalism.