Melee Kyari, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, on Tuesday disclosed that the supposed surveillance contract was not awarded to the Niger Delta agitator, Government Ekpemupolo, aka, Tompolo as a person, but to a company, he has an interest in.
He clarified that it was not the first time individuals within the Niger Delta region were awarded a contract for pipeline surveillance, noting that the contract was in the interest of the people.
The GMD explained this while speaking at the ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House, according to reports.
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Commenting, Kyari applauded the Federal Government’s decision to hire private contractors to man its oil pipeline network nationwide.
Kyari affirmed that although the security agencies are doing their part, end-to-end pipeline surveillance would require the involvement of private entities and community stakeholders.
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.”
He restated that the government is not dealing directly with the former creek warlord, but only signed a contract with a company in which Tompolo has interests.
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