Oil
theft in Nigeria and its global support system represents another face
of terrorism which has continued to be a clog in the wheel of the
nation’s economic growth, the Federal Government has said.
It said efforts at combating the menace
locally had been made more complicated as a result of the international
slant to the crime.
A statement on Sunday said the Minister
of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said this while
delivering the keynote address at the Powerlist 2014 programme in
London.
The statement from the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation quoted the minister as saying that oil theft had
continued to thwart the efforts of sustaining economic growth.
“The grave phenomenon of oil theft and
its global support system represents another face of terrorism
counteracting our efforts at sustaining the trajectory of our
high-growth economy, the stability of our society, and the enhancement
and wellbeing of our people,” Alison-Madueke was quoted to have said.
According to her, the level of oil theft
perpetuated in Nigeria is beyond the ability of local residents in the
areas where such crimes occur.
She said, “Theft of this magnitude is
not only highly technical, but it is also an international level crime.
It is aided and abetted by syndicates outside of Africa who are the
patrons and merchant-partners of the oil thieves. This crime against
Nigeria must be resisted, as we simultaneously deploy in-country
resources to fight this menace.”
“It perpetuates criminality, defrauds
economies and discourages investment. This is a crime that threatens not
only Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, but also threatens the security of
the Gulf of Guinea, and by extension threatens the global economic
order.”
The minister however stated that the
Nigerian oil and gas industry had been placed on the path of growth and
irreversible progress.
She said, “The Nigerian Content Act,
signed into law in 2010 by President (Goodluck) Jonathan, vigorously
advocates for indigenous participation, job creation and in-country
capacity development and has nurtured leading edge indigenous companies
capable of competing with the traditional multinationals.
“The very topical Petroleum Industry
Bill is a historic piece of legislation designed to effect extensive and
much needed legal, regulatory, financial and environmental reform to
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
According to the statement,
Alison-Madueke is also listed as one of the 25 Africans who are
transforming the continent by the United Kingdom-based Power List Magazine.
Source: The Punch Ng.
Azurnini
Blue River is located in Abia State towards its boundary with Akwa lbom
State. The River has become a resort for tourists because of the
pleasantness it offers. The attractive features of the River include its
crystal-clear blue water; canoe rides; sandy beaches with such
relaxation facilities as chairs and tables. At the beach also, BBQ grill
are delicacies provided for picnickers.
