Crude oil theft has remained at the front burner of issues plunging Nigeria, aside from the economic impact this has had on Nigeria, it has resulted in environmental degradation, pollution, health hazards among others.
To nip this in the bud, the federal Government of Nigeria believes that collective efforts must be made in curbing the menace. The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi who was represented by the Director Army Mr. Sunday Attah, gave the charge on Wednesday during the Defence Correspondent Seminar held in Abuja, with the theme “Achieving Presidential Mandate in curbing oil theft and securing the nation’s wealth”
He said…
“Our efforts in achieving the presidential mandate handed to the ministry is being achieved simultaneously due to the collaboration among the try services especially in planning coordination and implementation of actionable programs and project”
Key note speaker, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola Rtd while outlining the impact of the loses incurred by Nigeria said to restore sanity and due process in the sector, person from various works of life must see to the implementation of the needed reforms to address issue of oil theft
“No economy can thrive in this chaotic situation additionally the issues of terrorism banditry kidnapping religious issues selfish and corrupt leaders public officers and all sectors and security officials and a very docile followership will not help the war against crude oil soft the nation needs a complete resolve and the time is now” he said
The Chief of Defence Staff, who was represented by Major General SE Undonwa assured that the armed forces was doing all in it powers to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“We are committed to performing our goal, we will continue to address this Menace. Beyond curbing old the issues. The Armed forces is engaged in broader sense of securing our wealth and protecting critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sector”. He said..
On the part of the President of the DECAN the discuss remains timely and matter arising needs to be tackled headlong. Kingsley Omonobi said…
“The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria Deacon seeminar arose from the fact that we consider ourselves as major stakeholders in the security architecture of the economic space particularly operations to bring about sanity in the Nation’s oil spills”
While it’ is great to hear that there has been a reduction in stolen gas from 81,000 barrels per day to 5,000 barrels per day through collaboration between the military, national guard, and local authorities. This suggests that the intensified surveillance and catch-thief-red-handed approach has been effective in deterring oil theft and contraband activities.
However, it’s important to note that this approach should be balanced with respect for human rights and the rule of law. It’s crucial that any surveillance and law enforcement activities are carried out within the bounds of the law, and that the rights of individuals are respected. Additionally, efforts should also be made to address the root causes of oil theft, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, to ensure a long-term solution n to the problem.