To fully harness its potential as a driver of national economic and industrial growth, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in addressing the challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the oil and gas sector.
Kyari delivered this message during the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 in Abuja, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234. He highlighted that despite the significant gains of the PIA, these benefits are undermined by ongoing issues of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He urged the judiciary to consider establishing a specialized court or adopting accelerated hearing processes for cases related to these offenses.
He emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in supporting the security efforts of NNPC, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders. Kyari proposed the creation of a dedicated court or the issuance of Practice Directions for expedited trials, accompanied by stringent sanctions to deter potential offenders.
Additionally, Kyari urged for swift adjudication of criminal cases in the courts, emphasizing the need for timely determination of charges and appropriate sanctions as deterrents. He reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the PIA, aiming to maximize the socio-economic benefits derived from the country’s natural resources.
Kyari also expressed appreciation to Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and the workshop organizers for the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the event. The call to action comes amid challenges facing the country’s oil production, evidenced by recent drops below OPEC+ quotas and ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities in the Niger Delta region.
Overall, Kyari’s address underscored the urgent need for judicial support to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, thereby enabling its pivotal role in national development.
