Mkpoikana Udoma
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the call at the launching of Operation Delta Sanity, an initiative of the Nigerian Navy to combat oil theft and facility vandalism across the nation.
Lokpobiri who commended the Nigerian Navy for the initiative as the government strive to transform the oil and gas sector, maintained that the fight against oil theft should not be left in the hands of the Nigerian Navy alone.
While acknowledging the role which security agencies play in safeguarding national assets, the Minister cautioned the military against any conspiracy with perpetrators.
According to him, the connivance of any sort was economic sabotage to the nation and of course against the prosperity drive in the oil sector.
He said, “Our collective success hinges on collaboration and I call on all State Governors in oil-producing regions to partner with the Navy.
“As we strive for prosperity in the oil sector, Operation Delta Sanity is our collective stride toward that goal and we must work hand in hand to ensure the success of this operation for the benefit of our nation.
“This fight against oil theft is not a fight for the Nigerian Navy alone, it’s a fight for everybody. The expectation of the federal government of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is for the Navy to lead the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandals. That is why the federal government is throwing its full weight into this operation’s delta sanity.
“It is important to state here that the Nigerian Navy cannot succeed alone, for this operation to be successful all stakeholders are enjoined to collaborate with the Navy,” the Minister said.
