NNPC plans advisory council to check militant attacks

To deal with the scourge of militant attacks that has seen over 1,600 attacks in 2016 alone, Maikanti Baru, NNPC group managing director has said that he plans to set up an all-inclusive advisory council on security to address security challenges in host communites where oil exploratory activities is carried out.

Baru stated this in his keynote address delivered at the 34th edition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“During my visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, a few weeks ago, I informed him of my intention of setting up an all-inclusive Advisory Council on Security mainly to address all security and host community agitations at the Industry level. The Advisory Council is expected to be made up of representatives of key stakeholders,” he said.

He said the Advisory Council is expected to be made up of representatives of key stakeholders in the sector.

“Aside this, we are continuously working with our host communities and security forces to see an end to this scourge. I am aware that Choke points have been set up by the security forces around all areas of production operations,” Baru said.

Meanwhile industry stakeholders have decried the use of military might to deal with agitations of the Niger Delta activists saying it is counterproductive. A lack of post- amnesty plan has led to increased attacks that shut nearly half of Nigeria’s crude production in April.

“The security forces have assured me that they will continue to be civil in and live by the rules of engagement to ensure that we operate in a safe and secure environment,” Baru said.

He added, “We would also review our Community and Social Responsibility programmes to see that we continue to touch the lives of our stakeholders in more positive ways.”

ISAAC ANYAOGU