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A new Nigeria needs cooperation of all and sundry -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that to achieve a new Nigeria his administration promised there must be co-operation of all sundry.

The president maintained that a new, secured, peaceful and prosperity Nigeria desired by all would remain elusive unless Nigerians consciously change their mindset about the past and their leaders.

Tinubu who noted that a new Nigeria is possible with his renewed hope, said the bold steps his administration is taking to find lasting solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting the country call only yield desired results with the cooperation of all and sundry.

He was speaking at the opening of the 63 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, which has as theme Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.

“I am not cynical, I am factual”, he said, “the critical and bold initiatives embarked upon collaboration and cooperation of the private sector.

“We are so blessed and we are still lacking, change of mindset is what we need.

“We accused our previous leaders, we complain too much about the past, it is not the solution, we must look forward, God has given us creative mind and will”, he said.

Tinubu while noting that poverty ought not to be a shameful thing, stressed it must not be tolerated but banished, lamenting that with all the resources in the country millions of homes in the country do not have electricity.

Calling for an interrogation of how the country arrived at its current deplorable state, the president stressed that the country cannot “continue to service external debt with about 90% of its revenue”, hence the hard decision his administration is making.

“If we must achieve greatness as a nation, we must take bold decisions”, he said though painful in the interim, adding that he might make some mistakes in the process but Nigerians should correct him in such instances.

While commending the NBA for the theme which he noted is timely, the president who wooed the bar to give his administration maximum support in order to succeed, told the lawyers, “I want to learn.

“Remind me of what I’m doing right, I will continue, whatever I am doing wrong, tell me, and I will change.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr Tony Elumelu remarked that at the heart of the gathering was the unity of one ambition and one duty which is nation building.

“There is no one in this distinguished gathering, that does not want the best for Nigeria.

Whether my learned friends of the Bar or our distinguished leaders present.

We know the potential of Nigeria.

“We know the resources, human and natural, that Nigeria has at her disposal.

§ We champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports. Indeed, in virtually every human endeavour, Nigerians excel.

“We live in a world, where the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade grew up in Lagos and the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, was born in Ibadan.

“n business, the Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation.

“We have global businesses with Nigerian origins: Let me name one – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA as a deposit taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa – who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!

“But these successes, these role models are too few, too rare.

“We know too well the reality of Nigeria at home.

“We know our energy deficits, we experience the disillusionment of our youth, manifest in the tragic loss of talent, as our young, at times, and at great risk to themselves, seek opportunities abroad.

“Opportunities that our fertile, bountiful country should supply.

“We see the plundering of our commonwealth through oil theft and pipeline destruction in broad daylight!

“We experience every day the impact of climate change.

“We see our loved ones kidnapped and killed.

“Insecurity breeds disorder, feeds intolerance and destroys opportunity.

“Our country has experienced division – unnecessary division and the squandering of heritage.

“Nation building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity”, he said.

08/28/2023
NACAT sues Ag CBN gov, deputy, CCB over non-assets declaration

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has dragged the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi and its deputy, Mr Edward Adamu before a Federal High Court Abuja for failure to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023, filed by the group’s legal counsel, Festus Keyamo Chambers, also mentioned the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, as a respondent in the matter.

The applicant premised the suit on the strength of Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

Specifically, the suit dated August 25, 2023 is requesting for the documents wherein Mr Shonubi deliberately refused to declare interest in the following companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd– RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250.

Similarly, the applicant is demanding the assets and declaration forms of Adamu, wherein he failed to declare his interest in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500.

An affidavit in support of the originating motion exparte deposed to by Stanley Ugagbe, the operational Manager of NACAT stated the respondents had vehemently refused to avail them of the documents.

Ugagbe averred that the 2nd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd – RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250.

Also, the deponent claimed that the 3rd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500.

As public officers, Ugagbe stated, the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above-named companies, while assuming their respective offices as a Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

“That the Applicant has a right under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, to access the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, in the records of the 1st Respondent, with respect to declaration of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents’ interests in the said companies.

“That the Applicant has made demand under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to the Respondents, for the Respondents to produce the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms where the 2nd and 3rd Respondents declared their interests in the said Companies, but the Respondents failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents.

The Applicant submitted that it needed the intervention of the Court to compel the 1st and 2nd Respondents to grant the request of the Applicant, in accordance with Section 1 (3) of the Freedom of Information Act.

The Applicants predicated their prayers on the ground that they had written letters dated 3rd July, 2023 and 14th August, 2023, requesting the Respondents to produce to it, the said documents but they refused.

“The Respondents have failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents requested from them, contrary to section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011” the counsel stated.

As public officers, the counsel submitted that the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above stated companies, while assuming their respective offices as Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the CBN.

NACAT is a non-governmental organization, a pro-democracy civil society organization, whose objectives include contributing to the global war against corruption, financial crimes, terrorism and economic sabotage.

08/28/2023
World Bank partners FG, targets 148m digital national IDs for Nigerians

A new partnership between the federal government and the World Bank will see about 148 million working age Nigerians getting digital National Identity Cards by the middle of 2024.

Speaking at a dinner organized by the Ministry of Communications in partnership with the World Bank, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eradicating poverty, improving lives and creating job opportunities for the country’s youth.

He said the multilateral financial institution is collaborating with the federal government to ensure the successful rollout and registration of digital national IDs for all Nigerians.

Chaudhuri said, “Our main mission here in Nigeria is to eliminate poverty, make lives better, and create jobs for all Nigerian youth. One of the areas that we think has the greatest potential is the area of using digital technologies to transform. Now to do that it begins with having this digital national ID.

“So one of the main partnerships we have is working with NIMC to ensure the rollout of the registration so that all 213/220 million Nigerians have a digital national ID, beginning of course with all people of working age and I think the target for that is at least 148 million people by the middle of next year.

“The second is helping Nigeria lead the broadband infrastructure for broadband connectivity because without broadband connectivity, digital technologies will lead to a digital divide. So their support has been for good kinds of policies and regulations that will help invite private investment into this space and then fibre

At the dinner which was organized in his honour, Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the Federal Government has secured a $500 million loan aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s digital sector.

“Part of my responsibilities is working with BoI to ensure that we domicile that funding locally in Nigeria, work with firms who manage and invest in businesses to ensure that those businesses that will benefit are true, real Nigerian businesses,” the minister said.

08/27/2023
Oil spill has destroyed Aleto, Eteo communities’ source of water -Group

Health of Mother Health Foundation (HOMEF), has again decried the recent oil spills that ravaged Aleto and Eteo communities in Eleme Local Government of Rivers State, saying it has crippled farming and fishing activities in the area.

HOMEF said the spills also destroyed the communities’ only source of potable water.

HOMEF and members of Oilwatch Nigeria that paid visits to the two scenes recently for an on-the-spot assessment to ascertain the level of response and possible
cleanup of the affected environment, said it met the environment still in a
sorry situation as nothing is being done to salvage or clean the pollutions caused by the spills.

A statement by HOMEF on Saturday signed by the Media and Communication Lead, Kome Odhomor, Executive Director, Nnimmo Bassey, expressed displeasure that the oil companies are neither decommissioning their aged infrastructure nor ensuring that their facilities are in good working condition.

He regretted that rather than remediating the harm caused by their activities, more investments are being made by the oil companies to expand the areas of threat.

Bassey further lamented that two months after the spill occurred, the companies have yet to respond and interface with the communities in any meaningful way.

“It was heartbreaking to listen to the lamentation of the community women who now have no source of potable water and cannot process their cassava, a major staple due to the pollution of their stream. The insensitivity of the polluters and
regulatory agencies is appalling. These atrocious incidents are also compounding the work of HYPREP. While the agency is working to clean
some areas, these polluting incidents are threatening to erase their efforts.”

During the site visits, coordinator, Peoples Advancement Centre (PAC), and member Oilwatch Nigeria Celestine Akpobari, called on NOSDRA and
other relevant agencies of government to do the needful and send relief
materials to the starving people immediately.

“It is sad and very embarrassing that a spill of this magnitude at Eteo would happen in very close proximity to human habitation and the NPDC and the government of
Nigeria carries on as if nothing has happened to the people. It is worse that the spill has affected the community’s only source of drinking
water. It is not enough to just sneak in at night to clamp the pipe, the right thing must be done.”

While receiving the team of CSOs who visited his palace, His Royal Highness Emere Emmanuel T. Akobe the Paramount ruler of Eteo community
expressed shock over the attitude of the NPDC saying, “Our beautiful stream is dead, my people don’t deserve this type of treatment and after
we have brought the notice of the National Assembly, there is still no
response from them, and my people continue to suffer the impact of the
spill.”

HOMEF reiterates that Aleto and Eteo communities and the entire Niger Delta must not be treated like disposable or sacrifice zones for
profit-seeking endeavours.

NOSDRA should be more proactive in meeting the
challenging situations of oil spills in the region, while the polluting companies should urgently halt their polluting activities, clean up
their spills, and pay compensation to affected individuals and
communities.

The CSOs also demanded that oil companies decommission all aged pipelines and facilities in the region in line with UNEP
recommendations in the assessment of the Ogoni environment.

08/27/2023
IPMAN opposes state governments’ bid for downstream regulatory control

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed strong disapproval towards the recent endeavours of various State governments to assume the role of regulators in the Southeast’s downstream petroleum operations.

Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, the Chairman of IPMAN’s Enugu Depot, which oversees Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, conveyed these concerns during an interview in Awka on Sunday.

Anyaso underscored that State governments lack the necessary standardized and approved equipment essential for accurately measuring dispensing machines.

Moreover, he asserted that these governments do not possess the authority to oversee the intricate operations within the downstream petroleum sector.

IPMAN has vehemently criticized the actions of state governments, which have involved entering marketers’ establishments under the pretense of price enforcement and dispensing machine monitoring.

Anyaso highlighted that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) remains the sole constitutionally-empowered entity responsible for regulating downstream sector activities. He emphasized that if states intend to collaborate in this sphere, they should work in conjunction with NMDPRA.

In his explanation, Anyaso reinforced that state governments lack the requisite authority to perform regulatory functions concerning downstream operators. Their lack of expertise is evident, and even the instruments they employ—termed “seraphim bottles”—have not been certified as properly calibrated for accurate measurements.

“NMDPRA is the only body empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Sec 48 (1), to carry out all the regulatory activities in the sector.

“IPMAN Enugu depot condemns the invasion of our filling stations; Anambra government did it and we protested but most recently, the Enugu State government is doing the same thing with deliberate effort to blackmail some of our members.

“This is sheer overzealousness on the part of some aides of governors. We call on our governors to call these people to order, to avoid putting IPMAN on a collision course with state governments,” he warned.

Anyaso said IPMAN was not absolving its members of sharp practices but insisted that state governments should collaborate with NMDPRA, established by the Federal Government to supervise the sector if the need arises.

“IPMAN is not by any means saying that all our members are free from malpractice. We are not holding brief for them either; all we are saying is that things should be done properly by the appropriate authority.

“NMDPRA has offices in almost all the states, so state governments should work with them. On our part, IPMAN has a taskforce as an internal mechanism to check infractions by our members,” he said.

08/27/2023
NDLEA seizes 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in 3 states, FCT

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives intercepted at least 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in Gombe, Adamawa, Ogun and other parts of the federation between August 21 and August 23.

Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that NDLEA officers recovered an abandoned vehicle on Darazo Road in Gombe State containing 373,420 tramadol and diazepam pills on August 21.

He added that operatives also recovered 60,000 pills of tramadol from a suspect travelling in a commercial Toyota Starlet car from Kalaa village to Mubi both in Adamawa on August 22.

“Operatives raided the home of a drug dealer in Ibafo area of Ogun on August 23 and recovered 81,000 tablets of tramadol weighing 32.4kg.

“In the FCT, operatives intercepted two consignments of suspected skunk with a gross weight of 1,242.1kg.

“The first consignment of 665.1kgs was seized from a truck in Abuja on August 20, while the second one, weighing 577kg, was recovered during a stop-and-search operation on Lokoja- Abaji Expressway.

“The consignment was concealed in an online shopping company’s goods delivery packs conveyed inside a containerised truck. The driver and his assistant were arrested,’’ he stated.

Babafemi stated also that NDLEA operatives conducting stop-and-search operation on Jebba-Minna Road linking Kwara and Niger intercepted a commercial truck conveying goods from Lagos to Katsina on August 22.

The truck had 37.5kg of suspected Indian hemp hidden among other items inside it, he added.

The driver and his assistant were also arrested for investigation.

“In Yobe, NDLEA operatives intercepted a vehicle on Potiskum (Yobe)-Gombe Road on August 23

“Three suspects in the vehicle were arrested with 133 blocks of suspected Indian hemp weighing 62kg,’’ Babafemi also stated.

08/27/2023
Police arrest man with fresh human corpse in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun said one Babatunde Kolawole, allegedly found with a fresh male human corpse, was arrested and handed over to its personnel at Ado/Odo-Ota area of the state.

SP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ota, Ogun, said the suspect was apprehended by Amotekun Corps.

According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango-Ota, CSP Saleh Dahiru, received a report by Amotekun and took the suspect, Kolawole, into custody.

“Preliminary investigations have commenced into the incident.

“Although the suspect did not deny the incident, he claims to be a native doctor who was attempting to revive the deceased.

“However, it remains unclear how the suspect obtained the fresh corpse during the late hours of the night,” she said.

The PPRO said that so far, no one had come forward to claim the body, and the suspect had not revealed any information about the origin of the corpse, to enable police to gather more information and solve the case.

She added that the corpse had been transported to the Ifo General Hospital for an autopsy.

Odutola enjoined members of the community to provide any useful information related to the incident to the police.

She also said that the community members could assist the police in their investigation by helping to shed more light on the disturbing occurrence.

08/27/2023
Heavy flooding looms as Cameroon prepares to open Lagdo Dam

*NEMA put on high alert

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been put on high alert due to the impending threat of flooding along the banks of the River Benue.

This warning comes following a communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as revealed in a document obtained by NIGERIAN ANCHOR and dated August 21.

Recall that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had recently said there is no immediate threat of flooding, whilst calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies.

Utsev told newsmen in Abuja that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today.

This, he said, was insignificant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

According to him, reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime.

“In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters.

“The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.

“As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”

The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.

Read more on this story:

No immediate floods threat in Nigeria – FG

But the official letter gotten by NIGERIAN ANCHOR, which is bearing the signature of Umar Salisu, Director of African Affairs at the ministry, divulges the concerning news that the Cameroonian government intends to initiate the opening of the floodgates at the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in the near future.

This course of action is being taken in response to heavy rainfall that has been experienced within the dam’s catchment area in Northern Cameroon.

Salisu clarified that the Cameroonian authorities have designed a controlled approach, planning to release water in measured, manageable quantities. This strategy is aimed at minimizing and averting potential damages that could arise both along the River Benue basin in Cameroon and Nigeria.

According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time”.

“This is in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.”

The ministry, therefore, urged NEMA to take precautionary measures in order to reduce damages.

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions,” the letter added.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the ministry has called upon NEMA to undertake precautionary measures that will contribute to damage reduction.

The ministry’s letter underscores the urgency of NEMA’s proactive steps and actions, not only to mitigate harm but also to educate and sensitize the residents of the affected areas. This preparedness includes encouraging vigilance and adherence to necessary precautions.

In response to these developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extends its advice to the inhabitants of the at-risk regions, urging them to remain composed and to diligently follow the guidance provided by the authorities.

The ministry also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities.

08/27/2023
NDLEA nabs 84 suspects, seizes 451.976kg illicit substances in Kaduna

In a significant operation, the Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 84 suspects and confiscated a total of 451.976kg of illicit drugs within the region.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Ibrahim Braji, made this announcement in Kaduna, revealing that these arrests and seizures occurred during the month of July.

During this period, the command also achieved six convictions of suspects involved in illicit drug activities.

The range of seized substances encompasses a variety of illegal drugs, including Indian Hemp, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, and other Psychotropic substances. The overall combined weight of the confiscated drugs during this review period is reported to be 451.976kg.

Moreover, the vigilant operatives of NDLEA discovered 90 rounds of live ammunition, live bullets of 7.62mm calibers, and a newly identified Jojef pump-action gun with the registration number 23-0174.

The NDLEA has also been resolute in their efforts to eradicate the presence of illicit drug joints across the state.

A commendable feat of dismantling 18 such establishments has been accomplished during the month under review.

These locations include Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur, and Sabon Gari. Additional locations that were addressed include Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden, and Jushi.

Mr. Ibrahim Braji took the opportunity to make an appeal to parents, urging them to maintain vigilance over their children’s activities and associates. He emphasized the importance of knowing the company their children keep to prevent them from getting involved in illegal activities.

Furthermore, Braji issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in the unlawful drug trade. He urged them to seek lawful means of livelihood and emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who persist in illicit activities, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.

“Grand total weight of drug seized within the period under review is 451.976kg.

The commander also disclosed that its operatives also recovered 90 rounds of live ammunition; Live bullets 7.62mm calibres and new Jojef pump action gun with registration number 23-0174.

“Within the month under review, 18 illicit drug joints have been dismantled across the state which included Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur and Sabon Gari.

Others are Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden and Jushi.

Braji appealed to parents to watch over their children and know the kind of friends they associated with at all times.

He warned illegal drug dealers to look for better livelihood, adding that if they refused, the agency would go after them and ensure they faced full wrath of law.

08/27/2023
Nigeria still being fleeced 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily – Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that Nigeria is still losing 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to local and international thieves despite efforts to end the menace.

Ribadu confirmed this when he led a presidential delegation to inspect oil and gas facilities at Owaza in Abia and Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers at the weekend.

He said the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals had impacted negatively on the nation’s economy and were partly responsible for the rising cost of living in the country.

“It’s unfortunate that few individuals would steal our common resources, and in the process cause unbelievable loss to both the nation, communities and the people.

“Nigeria has the capacity to produce 2 million barrels of crude daily, but we are currently producing less than 1.6 million barrels due to theft and vandalism of pipelines.

“So, we are talking about 400,000 barrels of crude oil going to waste with few criminals and economic saboteurs not even getting much out of it,” he said.

Ribadu said the operators of artisanal refineries collect a small quantity of crude oil when they broke the pipelines while larger volumes of oil were spilled on the environment.

“The value of 400,000 barrels of oil today is about 4 million dollars, and every day, we lose this amount because of this irresponsible behaviour.

“If you multiply 4 million dollars by 365 days (one year), you will see that it is a lot of money running into billions of dollars.

“Currently, the country is in desperate need of money as the Naira is continuously losing its value because we earn less money.

“If we earn more money, it will not only help strengthen our currency but reflect in everything, including cost of living in the country,” he added.

The NSA said that the President Bola Tinubu administration was concerned about the development and was already taking actionable steps to address the matter.

He said huge investments made by the government in building infrastructures for the common good of all were being destroyed by few individuals, and in the process, destroying the environment.

Ribadu called for a united front to tackle oil theft and end decades of attacks on the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures.

“We are working hard with the security forces and those employed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to secure our facilities and end this madness called oil theft,” he said.

On the presidential delegation with the NSA were the Minister of Defence, Baduru Abubakar, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

Others included the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri.

The Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources, Ekperipe Ekpo, and senior management officials of the NNPCL as well as other top security personnel were part of the team.

08/27/2023