Stakeholders have committed to providing solar mini-grid electricity to communities without power in the Niger Delta to combat pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. Mr. Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), announced this in a phone interview on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Abuja.
Fyneface stated that YEAC-Nigeria and YEAC-UK Ltd are collaborating with NXT GRID Netherlands and its Nigerian subsidiary to develop the project. The initiative will start in the Umuolu community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, and will eventually extend to other communities.
This commitment aims to address pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and pollution from artisanal refineries, including soot emissions. Fyneface explained, “The effort will reduce the reliance on illegally refined petroleum products, such as fuel for generators and kerosene for lanterns, by providing clean energy alternatives.”
The project is expected to provide electricity to homes in these communities, discouraging oil theft, reducing fossil fuel extraction, and combating environmental pollution and climate change by offering clean, renewable, and affordable energy. Hard-to-reach communities without access to electricity will also benefit from the phased rollout.
Fyneface highlighted that the project would deter youths from engaging in illegal artisanal refineries and other unauthorized activities by reducing demand for their products. Additionally, it will create job opportunities and alternative livelihoods, fostering business ventures powered by the new electricity source under the ‘Productive Use’ initiative, which supports youth, women, and persons with disabilities through grants and loans.
The overarching goal is to mitigate pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refining, and environmental pollution by providing alternative livelihoods and making illegal activities less attractive.