Yemisi Izuora
Nigeria has lost an estimated sum of N21.37 billion following the vandalism of the Trans-Forcados and Escarvos-Lagos pipelines over the past six weeks.
State run petroleum company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) disclosed that an increase in vandalism on crude oil and gas lines has resulted in the Escravos-Lagos gas line being vandalised four times over the last weekend.
The Corporation disclosed that between 50,000 and 60,000 barrels of crude oil were being lost along the line on a daily basis due to breaks.
NNPC Group Executive Director of Gas and Power Dr David Ige said that a syndicate is suspected to be behind the sabotage.
Ige lamented the fact that the Trans-Forcados line had been vandalised four times between January and February, adding that the corporation’s gas pipelines had not been able to run for two straight days without interference.