Oil theft: Reps probe utilisation of special intervention fund

The House of Representatives called for the provision of a special intervention fund for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enable them to perform optimally.

Hon. Alhasan Ado-Doguwa, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses, disclosed this in Abuja during a special investigative hearing into the utilization of special intervention funds to combat crude oil theft across the country.

He expressed grave concern over the huge revenue loss due to the vandalization of oil facilities and displeasure over the lack of support for the NSCDC to carry out its constitutional mandate.

Ado-Doguwa, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), emphasized the crucial role of the NSCDC in protecting the country’s critical assets and infrastructures across Nigeria.

Hence, he assured that the House will ensure that NSCDC is fully carried along in the war against oil theft and revenue losses.

He therefore called on all 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’s efforts in the protection of the oil and gas pipelines, flow stations, and export terminals among others and the procurement, and deployment of technologies in a bid to stem the monumental theft and losses of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources,” he said.

In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General represented by Deputy Commandant General, Mr. Philip Ayuba alleged that the Corps has not been able to access the special intervention fund from any agencies to fully carry out its statutory mandates.

He disclosed that Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had not allowed them to operate effectively as well as deliver on their mandates.

He therefore expressed displeasure over NNPCL attitude toward their personnel across the country.

He also alleged that NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have refused to incorporate the Corps into the special intervention fund in the country.

On his part, the Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi represented by ACC Oloyede Adekunle, also denied receipt of the Special Intervention Fund to carry out their assignment.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE