The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to waive its charges for the testing of suspected adulterated petroleum products.
NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, requested for the waiver while hosting members of a Presidential Task Force, Operation White (OPW) at the Corps’ Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Audi, the Corps pays between N80,000 and N100,000 to NNPCL for laboratory testing and analysis of suspected adulterated petroleum products it apprehended.
The CG further sought the support of NNPCL in the acquisition of working tools and equipment to enable the NSCDC diligently pursue its mandate.
He expressed concern over incessant vandalism of oil facilities and attack on security personnel by oil thieves and smugglers
sabotaging the country’s economy.
The CG, therefore, called for joint efforts to protect the oil sector which drives Nigeria’s economy from economic saboteurs, oil thieves, illegal bunkerers and pipeline vandals.
He appreciated the Taskforce for the visit and assured of continuous collaboration in curbing and prosecuting those involved in petroleum related crimes.
Audi commended the Federal Government’s commitment to ending oil theft in the country, and sought for the support of all well-meaning Nigerians.
Earlier, OPW Team Lead, Mr Tijjani Mohammed said that the team was set up to curtail hoarding, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
He said that the partnership between NSCDC and the team will help to effectively protect all states, including the FCT.
Mohammed decried the unrepentant nature of smugglers bent on sabotaging Federal Government efforts to nip illegal oil bunkering in the bud.
He said the OPW will not relent in its efforts to curtail all sharp practices until sanity was enthroned in the oil sector.
He said that the team’s seven boarder points will require the services of NSCDC Intelligence Squard and legal support for prosecution of suspects.
Mohammed said that the Taskforce was determined to share intelligence reports with the Corps and other sister agencies.
