How to tackle oil theft, pipeline vandalism in Niger Delta

Recent comments from Shell Nigeria about vandalism and crude-oil theft in the Niger Delta have raised concerns about the ongoing challenges faced in the region. Tunji Idowu, Deputy Executive Director of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), shared his perspective on the issue during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Idowu highlighted the persistent nature of the issues surrounding oil theft and pipeline vandalism, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address the root causes of the problem. The key theme of the discussion was the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration to tackle the underlying issues in the Niger Delta. Idowu pointed out that the issues cannot be viewed in isolation and must be understood within the larger context of dynamics within the region. He highlighted the high levels of unemployment, underdevelopment, and imbalance perpetrated by various groups as key factors contributing to the problem. Idowu stressed the need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders, especially the government, to sustain the gains made in the past and prevent further escalation of the situation. He referenced past diplomatic efforts that resulted in temporary calm and emphasized the importance of building upon those initiatives before the upcoming elections. Idowu also mentioned the role of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta in engaging with government and other stakeholders to address the challenges in the region. One of the key points raised in the discussion was the need to secure oil and gas assets effectively. Idowu acknowledged the difficulty of securing pipelines that span thousands of kilometers in remote swampy areas but emphasized the importance of finding a way to protect these valuable assets. He underscored the impact of attacks on oil infrastructure on government revenues and the average Nigerian citizen, highlighting the need for better funding and security measures to prevent further losses. Idowu proposed the Host Community Bill, a segment of the Petroleum Industry Bill that focuses on engaging host communities and empowering them to manage resources directly, as a potential solution to enhance security and foster a sense of ownership among the communities. Another key point highlighted was the link between underdevelopment, youth unemployment, and involvement in criminal activities such as illegal refining and vandalism. Idowu emphasized the need to address the root causes of these issues to effectively combat the criminal elements involved in oil theft and pipeline vandalism. By prioritizing development initiatives and engaging the larger community in security efforts, Idowu believes it will be possible to target and address the criminal elements responsible for the attacks on oil infrastructure in the region. In conclusion, the interview with Tunji Idowu shed light on the complex challenges of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration, development initiatives, and effective security measures in addressing these issues.