The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, has called on the judiciary to help combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Kyari made this appeal during the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, held in Abuja on Thursday. The event was organized by the National Judicial Institute and INVESTIN 234.
In his goodwill message at the workshop, Kyari emphasized that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have severely hindered the benefits of the PIA. He urged the judiciary to consider creating a special court to handle cases related to these crimes or to ensure accelerated hearings for such cases.
Kyari stated, “In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country, and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of practice directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders.”
He highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in supporting the efforts of NNPC, law enforcement agencies, and other industry stakeholders. He also called on the judiciary to speed up the hearing of criminal cases and to impose adequate punishments and sanctions on offenders to deter future crimes.
Kyari affirmed NNPC’s commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA. He stated, “Together, we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximised for the economic and social development of our country.”
He also thanked the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the workshop organizers for inviting him and giving him the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the event.
