CDS Christopher Musa
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets within their areas.
Musa emphasized that the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism are mostly borne by the host communities themselves, citing environmental and health risks.
Musa urged communities to take ownership of protecting pipelines, saying, “These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards.”
He praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its efforts in securing assets, noting zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.
PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, Dr Akpos Mezeh, stressed the importance of host community collaboration in tackling security challenges.
Mezeh highlighted ongoing issues, including poor information sharing and stakeholder collusion, which hinder progress.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for balanced focus on security and human development.
Mr Datolu Sokubo, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, said, “You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure.” He urged the Federal Government to prioritize development, especially in education and healthcare.
NAN
