The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Major General Bashiru Magashi, has called for synergy in the fight against the menace of oil theft across the country.
He made the call during the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN Seminar themed; “Achieving Presidential Mandate in Curbing Oil Theft & Securing the Nation’s Wealth, The Way Forward,” in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Represented by the Director Army, Mr. Sunday Attah, the Minister said that “It is necessary to remind the media that the expectations of Nigerians are high and as such, they must live up to that expectation in their reportage.”
According to him, every story must be accurate, verifiable, credible and most importantly be relayed with a high sense of patriotism and professionalism.
“Your role in educating, informing and sensitizing Nigerians on the activities of the Ministry of Defence, the tri-services and Agencies of the Ministry has been remarkable and encouraging. It is worthy to note that from my assumption of office to date, the relationship between the Ministry and the Nigerian media has remained cordial and this calls for appreciation,” he said.
He noted that the theme is apt considering the giant strides the Federal Government has taken to stamp out this ugly trend from our society.
“There is no doubt, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Agencies of the Ministry now enjoy wider public support and understanding which have resulted in positive attitudinal change among Nigerians.”
The Minister commended the Defence Correspondents Association (DECAN), which is in the vanguard of reportage of the gallant and patriotic efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, towards securing and policing the nation’s oil platforms against illegal oil bunkering, operation of illegal refinery and stealing of the nation’s gas resources among others.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor represented by Chief of Training and Operations, DHQ, Major General Solomon Udounwa said that the relationship between the Armed Forces and the media cannot be over emphasized as without the media, they will not achieve their mandate all in the interest of the nation which all would be proud.
According to him, Armed Forces are committed to perform their roles as the issue of curbing oil theft is one of their major concerns which he has had a series of engagements with oil sectors in addressing the menace.
He said that “Beyond curbing oil theft, the Armed Forces is securing the wealth of the nation by also protecting the critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sectors in refineries and pipelines.”
The Keynote Speaker, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, Rtd says the effects of crude oil loss to the economy is heavy which can lead to bankruptcy in the country.
According to him, in March 2022, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report, Nigeria lost a whopping $2billion to oil theft and vandalism in 2020, plunging the country’s revenue downward by over 40 percent.
Rear Admiral Babalola said that “Crude oil theft has been on for years and seems to defy every solution as it has become a national embarrassment, at a time that the oil price is high, and other more serious producing nations and corporations are smiling to the bank, rebuilding their economy from the proceeds of the oil windfall, while Nigeria’s revenue is at risk and is bleeding with complicated economic challenges”.
He noted that the thieves’ methods and the nation has not adequately addressed the menace have different dimensions.
“Nigeria can’t even meet its production quota. It is sad that the country can afford to lose humongous money to thieves. We are gripped by widespread poverty and outrageous foreign and domestic debt,” he added.
According to him, the way forward to tackle the menace of oil theft in the country are: “Government needs to identify the supply chain of oil theft and identify the individuals involved.”
He added that the individuals who are at the receiving end should be identified and brought to book.
“In addition to the deployment of technology by the NNPC to monitor oil theft and the involvement of host communities in surveillance of oil pipelines, the government should enact laws that prescribe very harsh penalties for oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”
He noted that curbing crude oil theft cannot be done without international collaboration as it is impossible for any refinery to take a crude they do not know the source, refineries are designed to process a certain specific grade of crude
According to him, a heavy military clampdown is needed to ensure success in the fight against oil theft adding that in April 2022, the Nigeria Navy launched Operation Dakatar Da Barawo (OPDDB) “Stop the thieves” to fight oil theft.
“There is so much more wastage in governance that deliberate effort must be made to restructure all sectors. What we have now are selfish, arrogant, kleptomaniacs and emperors masquerading as leaders. In Nigeria Public office is a shortcut to obscene wealth. Leaders, followers, pseudo contractors, middleman, money launderers and man Fridays milking the nation dry with other public holders up to the lowest rungs of power are taking a cue,” he added.
PIAK
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