ABSTRACT
The study unravelled that the causes of pipeline incidence ranged from sabotage to failure of equipment and installations. It is concluded in this study that improvement is required in the social inclusion of the locals, improvement in techniques for oil pipeline installations monitoring. This will not only improve the environmental quality of the area but will also improve the array of economic activities that can engage the locals.1The case study of pipeline vandalism has been looked upon in this discourse, and have successfully been able to trace the etymology of crude oil in Nigeria, and also helped identify the causes of pipeline vandalism and its effect on a nation and finally proffered a time quickening solution to this menace that has fallen on our great developing nation. It is to be stated that Nigeria must act quick in its steps towards tackling this incessant acts.2What is seen in the Niger Delta is a reflection of the human spirit that has a remarkable capacity of rising above oppression. Thus, the people are looking at militancy as a way of solving the unsolved problem. Nevertheless, the matter goes beyond this. Thus, while not denying that the Niger Delta has undeservedly suffered neglect under various administrations, especially under the long years of military despotism, is it now time we ask ourselves why the distressing situation persists, despite series of ameliorative attempts.”3 We do not see pipelines vandalization as the solution, and government, MNOCs, the host communities have to find answers to the Niger Delta question as we do not foresee the “looming war in the Niger Delta” merely “wished away” by the Joint Military Task Force of the Federal Government of Nigeria.4
The study has discussed how the youths’ protests have spill-over to violence and consequent destruction of oil pipelines. The paper also discussed the various actors, causes and manifestation of oil pipeline vandalization, and progressed to examine three case studies to unravel how inadequate infrastructure, and official negligence caused havoc that resulted in the displacement of local population, conflict, and social disintegration.5 We wish to state that since the Government’s interventionist agencies from the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB), Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) to Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have not produced the desired positive impacts; it is imperative for the federal government to yield to the principles of derivation adopted by the founding fathers of Nigeria. It is important that this is because the “looming war in the Niger Delta” cannot be merely “wished away.”6It is disheartening that the former militants, well mobilized for the task of surveillance, cannot keep vandals off the nation’s oil and gas pipelines. This confirmed the ineffectiveness of surveillance on pipeline vandalism in the downstream sector of Nigeria. The Nigerian Government and Industry Operators should explore ways and means other than what is available currently in order to abate this ‘monster’-pipeline vandalism. The implication is that the huge investment on pipeline surveillance operation has failed and the urgency of another strategy cannot be neglected.7 Developing a problem prevention mentality to unscramble the intuition of rushing into detection /inspection mode to solve problems is important for both the Nigerian Government and the Oil Industry operators. The decades of neglect of the oil bearing communities should be genuinely addressed. The host communities desire strong sense of belonging in the resources management. The highly-needed funds being spent on Surveillance contracts should be directed to taking care of the environment and welfare of the people.8 The provision of the basic needs of the communities is indispensable, especially standard schools, well equipped and affordable hospitals, good roads, electricity, and portable water, among others.9 The unemployed youths should be trained and equipped in the skill acquisition centres. With this treatment, the people wittingly would identify with the projects of the Oil Industry operators and become motivated to fight or report incidence of unauthorized movements in the pipeline’s right of way or neighborhoods. These measures would be more beneficial to the entire nation than the current practice of detection/inspection through pipeline surveillance.10
