The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has made case for the need to protect national assets such as its installations critical for seamless energy supplies and enhanced economic growth.
The NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, spoke at the workshop/engagement session with selected Kannywood Artistes in Abuja on Tuesday.
He noted that as NNPC is a major contributor to power generation in Nigeria, any form of vandalisation of its infrastructure would hurt the nation.
According to him, “Vandalism of critical infrastructure—including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations—poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development.
“We must all play our part in educating the public about the dangers of such acts. As respected figures in society, you have the influence to drive this message home.
“NNPC Ltd is at the heart of Nigeria’s energy security, standing as one of the major contributors to the national grid. Our commitment to power generation is evident in our investments in key facilities.
“Currently, we operate the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a wholly owned facility providing essential electricity to the region. Additionally, we co-own two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2—with a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts. These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring stable electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the country.”
He wondered what will be the fate of the country if the Company’s assets are damaged or destroyed by vandals.
He said: “Now, imagine if these critical assets were damaged or destroyed by vandals—entire communities would be plunged into darkness, businesses would suffer, and the economy would take a devastating hit.
“This is why we need your voices to amplify this message: “Safeguarding our national assets is safeguarding our future!”
He assured the Company’s commitment to delivering on its mandate, saying “NNPC Ltd is fully committed to driving Nigeria’s energy sustainability and economic growth, but we cannot do it alone. We need your partnership in raising awareness and fostering a culture of responsibility and patriotism among Nigerians.”
Mr. Soneye cited that under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, the NNPC Ltd management team has implemented strategic actions that have significantly enhanced the security of the national assets, delivering unprecedented results never before seen in the sector.
He maintained that these achievements were made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also extended deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the military, and all law enforcement agencies for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.