ABUJA/Nigeria: Chief Mulade B. Sheriff, the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), highlighted the successful collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, state security agencies, and private security firms in combatting oil theft during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing the ongoing fight against illegal oil theft and bunkering, Chief Sheriff commended the joint efforts that have yielded significant results. Citing the recent faculty lecture by Mele Kolo Kyari CFR, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, at Obafemi Awolowo University, he revealed that a notable milestone had been achieved between 2021 and 2024. A total of 5,686 illegal refinery sites and 4,480 illegal crude oil connections were discovered and dismantled, amounting to 10,166 in total.
Chief Sheriff praised the government’s acknowledgment of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region, aligning with CEPEJ’s longstanding concerns. However, he expressed apprehensions about the collateral damage caused by the destruction of seized crude oil evidence during anti-theft operations. Chief Sheriff argued that this practice exacerbates oil spill carnage, harming aquatic and agrarian life while pushing youths into criminal activities for survival.
Commending private security firms, with special mention to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for their role in reducing oil theft and pollution, Chief Sheriff called on NNPC, the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, and NSCDC to sustain their efforts.
The press briefing took a critical turn as Chief Sheriff addressed the recent sale of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Onshore Facilities Asset to indigenous oil firms led by Reissainance and four others. Expressing shock but not surprise, he criticized the lack of penalties for international oil companies that devastate Nigeria’s ecosystem. Chief Sheriff called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the new buyers to consider purchasing onshore liabilities left by SPDC for a peaceful operation in the region.
Highlighted concerns include fair compensation for environmental damage, provisions for onshore liabilities, community development initiatives funded by asset sale proceeds, and the establishment of transparent and accountable mechanisms in the sale process. Chief Sheriff underscored the urgency of addressing these issues before approving the transaction, emphasizing the historical responsibility borne by SPDC for environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
In concluding remarks, Chief Mulade B. Sheriff expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting NNPC and security agencies in combating oil theft. He urged the government to compensate oil-producing communities, fostering infrastructural development and ending years of marginalization.
The Niger Delta’s struggle for environmental justice continues, and Chief Mulade B. Sheriff remains a vocal advocate for sustainable development in the region.
