The governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has addressed concerns raised by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, over pipeline vandalization along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, stating that the government had already constituted a task force on pipeline monitoring to strengthen security in the state.
Okpebholo made this known while receiving IPMAN newly-elected Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, alongside other executive members of the association, at the government house, Benin city, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintain peace and ensure the security of vital oil infrastructure across the state.
The governor commended the new leadership of IPMAN for resolving its internal crisis amicably and assured them of the state government’s constant support in creating an enabling environment for petroleum marketers to operate smoothly.
He added: “For the vandalization of pipelines, we have already set up a task force on pipeline monitoring. We will take charge on our own part. But the Warri part, that is Delta State. I will also talk to the governor to see how we can jointly monitor the pipelines so that there will be no vandalization going forward.”
Okpebholo further disclosed that his administration would empower the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.
Earlier, in his remarks, the new chairman of IPMAN, Mr. Micheal Ogiamen assured the governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association. He assured the governor of handling the mantle of leadership to his vice, Mr. Pius, after the expiration of his tenure, as stipulated by the association’s rule.
Okpebholo’s engagement with IPMAN is said to be part of his administration’s broader efforts to promote industrial peace, energy security, and efficient fuel distribution within Edo State.
Chairman of the committee set up by the governor to resolve the internal crisis in IPMAN, Comrade Eribo Nwanta and members, all expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for his swift intervention in the IPMAN leadership crisis, which they said has restored peace in the association.
