Awani Hails Kyari, Tompolo, Otuaro’s Fight Against Oil Theft

The Director General of the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA), Esimaje Awani has expressed strong support for the efforts of former Niger Delta agitator Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in their fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

In a letter addressed to Ms. Tatiana Valoyaya, Director General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Awani reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Niger Delta people for these leaders, highlighting their crucial role in addressing the region’s persistent oil theft challenges.

Awani’s statement comes in response to a protest by a group accusing Tompolo, Kyari, and Tantita Security Services, an indigenous company led by Tompolo of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and illegal detentions. The protesters also alleged that the leaders were involved in oil theft.

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However, Awani strongly rejected these claims, asserting that the accusations were baseless and lacked credible evidence. He emphasized that these unfounded allegations were a deliberate attempt to undermine the ongoing peace-building efforts and initiatives to combat oil theft in the region.

“Tompolo, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and Mele Kyari have made tremendous contributions to the peace and security of the Niger Delta. Their work is not only saving the nation billions in oil revenues but also providing employment and driving economic growth for the people in the region,” Awani stated.

He added that the accusations against them come from individuals who have been unable to benefit from the peace and prosperity now taking hold in the Niger Delta.

The federal government awarded Tantita Security Services Limited a contract to secure oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region. This decision was part of broader efforts to address the persistent issues of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region, which has caused significant economic and environmental damage to Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

Awani commended Tompolo for his leadership in the fight against oil theft, particularly for establishing community-led pipeline surveillance initiatives. This strategy has led to major reductions in oil theft and environmental damage. Awani noted that Tompolo’s leadership in involving local communities in pipeline protection has fostered a sense of responsibility, ensuring that the region’s critical national resources are safeguarded by those who are most affected by the thefts, while also creating job opportunities.

Speaking further, Awani lauded Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his transformative leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), which has shifted its focus from mere disarmament to the sustainable reintegration of ex-agitators. Under Otuaro’s leadership, the program has provided vocational training and education to thousands of former militants, empowering them to build independent careers and contributing to long-term peace in the region. According to Awani, these efforts have provided countless youths in the region with the skills and resources necessary for sustainable livelihoods.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL), was also commended for his role in stabilising the region’s oil industry. Awani noted Kyari’s approach of involving local communities in pipeline protection efforts and his success in reviving critical oil refineries, such as the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities, which have created new business opportunities and jobs.

“Kyari’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing the Niger Delta’s economic challenges, fostering collaboration with local communities to protect national oil assets and revitalize critical infrastructure,” Awani stated.

The NDPA Director General urged all stakeholders, including the United Nations, to recognize the positive impact of Tompolo, Otuaro, and Kyari’s efforts, stressing that baseless accusations should not be allowed to derail the progress made. He stated that the Niger Delta people firmly support Tompolo, Dr. Otuaro, and Mr. Kyari in their fight for peace, security, and development in the region, and that the success of the Niger Delta Peace Advocates’ initiatives depends on the continued support of these leaders, whose efforts have brought much-needed stability to the region.

Awani reaffirmed the Niger Delta Peace Advocates’ commitment to peace, development, and justice, ensuring that the region’s future is built on the pillars of collaboration, transparency, and equity for all.