Nigeria’s Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, says the government has strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers in Bayelsa State in a bid to address persistent challenges in the country’s oil sector.
Nneamaka Okafor, the special adviser on media and communication to the minister, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
“The Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, has embarked on a series of insightful and collaborative courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Bayelsa State.
“This strategic initiative aligns with the minister’s unwavering commitment to foster cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalization, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oil-bearing communities across the region,” the spokesperson said.
She explained that one of the meetings took place with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty (HMR), King Bubaraye Dakolo.
In this encounter, the spokesperson said, the minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalization and oil theft.
Sheadded that the minister called on the monarch to utilise his esteemed position to rally other traditional rulers in the state for a unified front in addressing these challenges.
Recognizing the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the minister emphasized the need for a joint commitment to securing the oil infrastructure.
Continuing the dialogue, the spokesperson said the minister extended his courtesy visit to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru.
The discussions during this meeting, Ms Okafor said, were focused on the importance of collaborative action in ensuring the security of pipelines and combating illicit activities in the oil sector.
The minister expressed deep appreciation for the support and valuable insights provided by Mr Daukoru, acknowledging his wealth of experience in the petroleum industry as an asset to the ongoing efforts in the region.
In another significant engagement, according to the statement, the minister met with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, Boloye Embareba.
Ms Okafor said the discussions with the monarch revolved around the critical need for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to effectively address security challenges and enhance crude production.