Downstream oil sector operators under the aegis of the National Oil and Gas Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, have called for a joint task force to eliminate oil theft in the state.
Addressing Journalists at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, Sam Osung, state Chairman of NOGASA, stressed the need for holistic action involving relevant security agencies in the task of completely stamping out the menace of oil thefts, bunkering, oil diversion and other unwholesome practices bedevilling the sector.
He acknowledged the efforts of operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) who are taking the war against oil to the den of the perpetrators, noting that the sector would have been completely cleansed of the scourge if all hands of the industry stakeholders were on deck.
Osung who was the former head of the Surveillance and Intelligence Monitoring team of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in – charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, recalled a series of petitions against NSCDC in the past concerning allegations of security lapses but expressed optimism that such action had since reinforced the combat -readiness of the operatives to tackle the oil sector thieves.
He said: “There is a need for a joint task force to tackle the scourge of oil thieves in Akwa Ibom State.
“As stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we cannot take for granted the role of the NSCDC, especially in the Area of mitigating irregularities and enabling a good atmosphere for legitimate businesses to thrive.
“About this time last year and up to early February this year, the business community, especially in oil and gas were uncomfortable with the method deployed by the then leadership of Akwa Ibom Command off the NSCDC, which resulted in the reaction of IPMAN, and culminated in a petition submitted to your office on the 10th of February this year
“We understand the level of commitment and hard work it may have cost you to save the image of the Corp and regain the trust of the people. We are proud of your efforts and commitment to service as demonstrated through the Current Akwa Ibom State Commandant and his Anti-Vandals team
“We are grateful for your proactive and diplomatic measures in dealing with issues and the selflessness portrayed by your Akwa Ibom state Commandant.”
