Curbing Crude Oil Theft, A Collective Responsibility for Economic Growth
Curbing Crude oil theft and illegal oil refining has been described as a collective responsibility towards economic growth of the country. The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this remarks while declaring open the 13th edition of Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) National Security Seminar held at Abacha Hall of the NDC. The President who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the AANDEC seminar over the years has focused on issues of national security concerns aimed at addressing myriads of security challenges currently facing the country. He emphasized that crude oil theft is a serious crime against Nigeria and her citizens which must be curtailed for the survival of Nigeria. “Nigerian Common Resources are for Nigerians and must be protected by all means. Those stealing our common resources are enemies of the State and would not be tolerated under my government”, the President vowed.
Continuing, President Tinubu revealed that modern equipment is being deployed to checkmate the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta areas commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its resilience in the fight against all forms of criminal activities. He further assured of the Federal Government’s continued readiness to provide all necessary equipment and support needed to protect the integrity of the Nation. He also paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Armed Forces who lost their lives while discharging their duties for the country. “Our gallant troops of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have continued to protect the integrity of our dear nation even to dead. We will continue to support the families left behind by these heroes” President Tinubu assures.
The Chief of Defence Staff General CG Musa in his goodwill message commended AANDEC for organising the seminar in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser which he said will provide avenue for healthy interactions on security challenges currently facing the country with the aim of proffering solutions. The CDS who was represented by Major General ED Onumajuru also called for synergy among security agencies and stakeholders in order to curtail the emerging security threats in the country.
In his Opening Address, the Commandant NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu said the Theme of the conference which is ‘Curbing Oil Theft and Illegal Crude Oil Refining in Nigeria’ is apt and timely considering the security challenges currently facing the country. He added that AANDEC has established itself as a vessel for interactive discussion on contemporary issues that will improve the National Security of the Nation. He suggested the introduction of Modular oil refineries in Nigeria which according to him will checkmate oil theft, illegal crude oil refining and environmental degradation in the Region. He assured AANDEC of NDC continuous support in all her activities. Earlier, the President AANDEC, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (Rtd) described the 13th edition of the AANDEC seminar as geared towards creating opportunity for fertilization of ideas that is aimed at improving the National Security situation of the country.
