Join Us To Protect Energy Infrastructure, NNPC Tells Kannywood Stars

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) has engaged Kannywood actors to lead a campaign to protect critical power infrastructure across the country.

The NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye made the call on Tuesday at the workshop/engagement session with Kannywood Artistes in Abuja.

Kannywood is the Hausa cinema in the North and controls about 80 million viewers.

NNPC is at the forefront of efforts to improve Nigeria’s power with wholly owned projects like the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant and jointly owned power projects including the two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2.

Attacks on the state-owned company’s power infrastructure have been a cause of distress for the country. For instance, in January 2020, three power towers were destroyed near Jakana village, leading to the announcement of the Maiduguri power plant as an emergency plan.

Also, in 2021, insurgents destroyed power lines along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu roads, leading to power shortages in Maiduguri.

Soneye told the actors to use their platforms to advocate for the protection of national assets, particularly those managed by NNPC Ltd.

The CCCO said vandalism of critical infrastructure including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations—poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development.

Soneye said, “NNPC Ltd is at the heart of Nigeria’s energy security, standing as one of the major contributors to the national grid. Our commitment to power generation is evident in our investments in key facilities.

“Currently, we operate the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a wholly owned facility providing essential electricity to the region.

“Additionally, we co-own two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2—with a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts. These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring stable electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the country.”

The CCCO said if these critical assets are destroyed by vandals, communities would be plunged into darkness, businesses would suffer, adding that the economy would take a devastating hit.

He said, “This is why we need your voices to amplify this message: ‘Safeguarding our national assets is safeguarding our future.’

“NNPC Ltd is fully committed to driving Nigeria’s energy sustainability and economic growth, but we cannot do it alone. We need your partnership in raising awareness and fostering a culture of responsibility and patriotism among Nigerians.”

Soneye reiterated that under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, the NNPC Ltd management team has implemented strategic actions that have significantly enhanced the security of our national assets, delivering unprecedented results never before seen in the sector.

Soneye added, “These achievements have been made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We also extend our deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the military, and all law enforcement agencies for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

Join Us To Protect Energy Infrastructure, NNPC Tells Kannywood Stars is first published on The Whistler Newspaper