David Okoh
The House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses has recommended a special intervention fund for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The recommendation was made on Tuesday by the Committee Chairman, Hon Alhasan Ado Doguwa, during a special session on combating crude oil theft.
Doguwa expressed disappointment over the lack of support for NSCDC to carry out its constitutional mandate, particularly in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
He highlighted the NSCDC role, which he described as crucial, amongst which is protecting the country’s critical assets and infrastructures.
Further vows to ensure the NSCDC is fully involved in the war against Oil Theft and losses in Nigeria.
Doguwa called on the security agencies present during the meeting to speak up and share their challenges in order for the Committee to make informed decisions that will help the country.
“We commend the Federal Government efforts in the protection of the oil and gas pipelines, flow stations, export terminals among others and the procurement, deployment of technologies in a bid to stem the monumental theft and losses of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources,” he said.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, represented by Deputy Commandant General Philip Ayuba, highlighted the corps’ crucial role in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
He however, lamented that NSCDC has been unable to access special intervention funds, and has been sidelined by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other agencies, hindering their ability to fulfill their mandate.
Furthermore, he stated that NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have refused to include them in the special intervention fund.
This lack of support has severely impacted their ability to carry out their assignments, he emphasized.
Similarly, the Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), represented by Oloyede Adekunle, reported that they have not received assistance from any establishment to carry out their duties
