Lokpobiri Calls for Support for Tinubu, Seeks Safety of Oil Installations

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on the people of the Niger Delta region to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing his commitment to the region’s development through key reforms and tangible initiatives.

The minister made this call at the weekend while delivering the opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion at the 60th birthday and book launch of His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, and the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council (TRC).

According to Lokpobiri,  Tinubu has demonstrated intentional leadership by ensuring the full operationalisation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which grants oil-producing host communities 3 per cent of the operational expenses of oil companies through the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF).

“This administration is not just making promises, it is delivering. The Host Community Trust Fund is a clear demonstration that President Tinubu is deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta. Our people must not take this opportunity for granted,” the minister stated.

He further urged the people of the region to reciprocate this commitment by ensuring the safety of oil installations and infrastructure in their communities. He stressed that any act of sabotage, such as pipeline vandalism or internal disputes over fund management, would ultimately be self-defeating.

“When you blow up the pipelines, you’re not just sabotaging the federal government; you are also blowing up your own 3 per cent share of revenue and destroying your environment. That is not activism, it’s economic suicide,” Lokpobiri warned.

Beyond the PIA, the minister highlighted other developmental strides being championed by the Tinubu administration in the region, including the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Science, accelerated implementation of abandoned projects, among others.

He emphasised that these initiatives reflect the President’s clear vision to uplift the Niger Delta and integrate it fully into the national development plan, a statement by his spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, said.

The event, attended by prominent traditional rulers, policymakers, and community leaders, served as a platform for reinforcing the need for unity and collective responsibility. 

The minister urged stakeholders to “take this message back to the grassroots and ensure that our people understand their role in protecting national assets, safeguarding our environment, and supporting the government’s developmental vision.”

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri,  while thanking President  Tinubu for his efforts in the development of the Niger Delta region, commended the minister, for ensuring that what is due to the Niger Deltans, comes to them, the statement added.

“I thank President Tinubu for his support to us and I commend our brother, Senator Lokpobiri for ensuring that President Tinubu’s developmental drive gets to us”, said Diri.  “When there will be an amendment of the PIA, the state should be included in the management of the 3 per cent oHost Community Funds because you need the state government to help manage the people,”Diri added. 

Lokpobiri reiterated that peace, security, and accountability are non-negotiable pillars for sustaining growth in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria and commended members of the NDA Course 38, who were in attendance to celebrate with the king, their course mate.