The Nigerian government says it is taking steps to stop crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva who is visiting oil and gas rich state of Imo in the South East region, wants Governor Hope Uzodimma to collaborate with other agencies to stop the criminal activities.
On the visit with the Minister is the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor; as well as the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, among other dignitaries.
According to Sylva, the visit is to ensure that the Imo State government and oil producing communities collaborate towards putting an end to illegal activities of oil theft, which has negatively impacted the country’s economy.
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Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen.Lucky Irabor, explains that the visit became necessary following huge economic losses being witnessed in the oil and gas sector.
Imo state Governor Hope Uzodimma also called for collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders in eradicating the menace in the sector.
Uzodimma wants the Federal Goverment to beef up security along pipeline routes, promising to support oil producing companies in the State on efforts to avert lingering illegal activities in the oil and gas sector.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
