An appeal has been made by the Ijaw Youths Network, IYN, to President Bola Tinubu, advising him to disregard demands for the cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract initiated by the Federal Government to combat oil theft.
The contract, which was granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is currently being carried out by Tantita Security Services Limited.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the IYN highlighted that a group of oil thieves is supporting the push for the contract’s termination.
The statement, signed by IYN Coordinator Frank Ebikabo and Secretary Federal Ebiaridor, stated that those advocating for the contract’s discontinuation do not have the nation’s best interests and economic welfare in mind.
“The individuals who have suddenly emerged as critics of the pipeline security contract remained silent when the country’s daily crude oil production plummeted to a record low of 900,000 barrels per day,” the statement pointed out.
According to the IYN, those calling for the contract’s cancellation are well aware of the progress achieved by the Federal Government as a result of its implementation.
While acknowledging that there is still room for enhancement, the IYN emphasized that the nation’s oil production capacity has increased from approximately 900,000 to 1.64 million barrels per day.
The group also highlighted that the significant number of illicit vessels apprehended in connection with oil theft, as a result of the joint efforts of Tantita and the country’s military, serves as proof that the President acted in the nation’s best interest by extending the contract.
“The President should be commended for the exceptional leadership in combating the problem of oil theft through the contract renewal, despite the substantial resources deployed by oil thieves and other bidders who opposed the contract’s extension,” added the IYN.