On Tuesday, the Federal Government made it known that it believes it has made the right decision to hire private contractors to secure its oil pipeline network across the country.
Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company briefed journalists as he appeared at the 49th Session of the State House Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Kyari, although government security agencies are doing their part, end-to-end pipeline surveillance would require the involvement of private bodies and community stakeholders.
Kyari said:
“We need private contractors to man the right of way to these pipelines. So we put up a framework for contractors to come and bid and they were selected through a tender process. And we believe we made the right decision.”
Clariform had earlier reported that Tompolo, a former Nigerian militant commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo, predominantly referred to as Tompolo got a renewed pipeline survillance contract which has sparked reactions in some quaters.
Kyari further explained that although the FG is not dealing directly with the former militant, it has signed a contract with a company in which Tompolo has interests.
