Pipeline Blown-up isn’t activism- Oil Minister
Sep 1, 2025
Pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta isn’t activism, it’s economic suicide. It destroys the environment and undermines the region’s own 3% revenue share from oil companies.
This is according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration and book launch of His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Lokpobiri called on residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He urged the people of the region to stop the destruction of oil installations, saying it directly harms their own communities.
He highlighted the President’s commitment to the region through initiatives under the #RenewedHope agenda, particularly the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Minister pointed out that the PIA grants oil-producing host communities a 3% share of oil companies’ operational expenses through the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
“When you blow up the pipelines, you’re not just sabotaging the Federal Government; you are also blowing up your own 3% share of revenue and destroying your environment,” Lokpobiri warned. “That is not activism, it’s economic suicide.”
Lokpobiri described the fund as a clear sign of the President’s dedication to the Niger Delta’s development and urged the community not to take this opportunity for granted.
“This administration is not just making promises, it is delivering,” he said.
In addition to the PIA, the Minister noted other government efforts, such as the creation of the Federal University of Environmental Science and the fast-tracking of previously abandoned projects in the region. He emphasized that these initiatives are part of a clear plan to uplift the Niger Delta.
Also in attendance, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri thanked President Tinubu for his support and praised Lokpobiri for ensuring the region receives what it is owed. Diri also suggested that future amendments to the PIA should include state governments in the management of the 3% Host Community Funds to better manage the people.
The event, which brought together traditional rulers and policymakers, served as a platform for Lokpobiri to reinforce that peace, security, and accountability are essential for growth in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
He encouraged attendees to take the message back to their communities about the importance of protecting national assets and supporting the government’s vision for development.
