On Tuesday, the federal government declared that it thought it had made the right choice in using independent contractors to staff the nation's oil pipeline network.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, revealed this to the media when he appeared at the 49th State House Briefing, which was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was hosted by the Presidential Communications Team.
Although the security authorities are contributing, Kyari stated that end-to-end pipeline surveillance will necessitate the participation of private organisations and community groups.
He 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.”
According to earlier reports, one of those selected is a former Nigerian militant commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo, predominantly referred to as Tompolo.
Fielding further questions on the contract, Kyari explained that although the FG is not dealing directly with the former Warlord, it has signed a contract with a company in which Tompolo has interests.