Participatory partnerships can stop oil theft, pipeline vandalism

• Chevron GM, Esimaje Brikinn tells how in panel discussion

Brikinn

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA), Mr. Esimaje Brikinn has emphasized the value of participatory partnerships in combating the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.

Mr. Brikinn made this known while contributing to the panel discussion on “Innovative Strategies Combating Crude Oil Theft & Pipeline Vandalism” at the Nigerian Oil and Gas conference and exhibition (NOG) in Abuja on Wednesday, July 4.

He noted that every IOC in Nigeria has been affected in one way or the other by the activities of oil thieves, engaging in illegal bunkering and “local refining” operations adding that their activities continue to cause significant damage to the environment and affect revenue streams leading to loss of benefits.

Brikinn stated that CNL evolved a proactive approach to combating the issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalism by involving relevant stakeholders including government security forces, relevant state governments and Regional Development Committees (RDCs) under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-driven multi-stakeholder participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development in our areas of operations.

According to him, the platform known as the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) with strong governance has become a model for enhancing the fight against oil theft and pipeline sabotage, enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaboration and providing sustainable social license for oil and gas operations.

He said that in the 13 years of its implementation, the GMoU has recorded significant achievements especially in areas of education, health, and economic development, adding that the NNPC/CNL JV has contributed over N20.6billion to the RDCs to implement projects and programmes for about 600,000 beneficiaries in more than 400 communities.

“In terms of managing conflict and enhancing peace in communities, the GMoU story is one we are very proud to tell, and has resulted in very impressive footprints in various communities and the model has helped improve CNL’s relationship with its neighboring communities, as it created a clearer and more predictable channel for dialogue,” he noted.

The Chevron GM commended the commitment of the traditional institutions, the Government security forces, the community and RDC leaders for driving the multi-stakeholder collaboration for asset protection and stressed that CNL continues to work to strengthen relationship with these stakeholders.

“The community leaders have shown great commitment to this process and has seen the connection between CNL’s operations and their livelihood. They understand that an enabling environment for our operations translates to continuous benefits to the communities in terms of our contributions to their socio-economic development,” he explained.