The House of Representatives Committee on Oil Theft/Losses on Tuesday recommended special intervention funds for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) to enable them perform optimally.
Chairman of the Committee, Alhasan Ado Doguwa, who disclosed this during a special session/hearing on the Utilization of Special Intervention Funds to Combat Crude Oil Theft across the country said he was disappointed with the lack of support for the NSCDC to carry out its constitutional mandate.
According to him, the NSCDC plays an important role in protecting the country’s critical assets and infrastructures promising to make sure that the NSCDC is fully carried along 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’s 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.
In his presentation, the Commandant General, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who was represented by Deputy Commandant General, Philip Ayuba informed that the core mandate of the Corps is to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the Country.
The Commandant General further informed that the corps has not been able to access the special intervention fund from any agencies to fully carry out its mandates.
He complained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had not allowed them to operate effectively as well as deliver on their mandates.
He alleged that his establishment has been sidelined from contributing to fulfill their core mandate in the country.
He expressed displeasure over NNPCL attitude over their personnel across the country.
He said the NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria and including the Office of the Accountant General of the federation have refused to incorporate them in the special intervention fund in the country.
The Comptroller Nigeria Custom Service, NCS, who was represented at the event by Oloyede Adekunle, Assistant Comptroller Custom, ACC, said they have not been receiving assistance from any establishment to carry out their assignment.
