In order for the oil and gas industry to achieve its full potential as an enabler of national economic and industrial growth, its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, has called for the support of the judiciary in tackling the challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Kyari made the call at the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234, on Thursday in Abuja.
In a goodwill message he delivered at the workshop, the Kyari stated that the gains of the PIA have been severely undermined by crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism and urged the judiciary to consider the creation of a special court to try offences related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism or granting accelerated hearings to such cases.
According to him, the role of the judiciary was critical to the success of the efforts of the various security arrangements put in place by NNPC, the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the industry.
“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,” Kyari stated.
He also called on the judiciary to accelerate the hearing of criminal cases in their courts, through timely determination of the charges and imposing adequate punishments and sanctions on culprits to serve as deterrence to others.
He said the NNPC remains committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA, saying, “together, we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximised for the economic and social development of our country.”
Kyari also commended the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola and the organisers of the workshop for extending an invitation to him and for the oppourtunity to deliver a goodwill message at the workshop.