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Jonathan Talks Tough on Oil Thieves, Sets up another Committee

By on July 24, 2012

The President had very strong words for oil thieves on Monday as he gave his address ‘Harnessing the Potential of Nigeria’s Maritime Sector for Sustainable Economic Development,” at the Presidential Maritime Security Retreat held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

He said, “It is extremely embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen, it is bad news and I believe that Nigerians and foreigners who indulge in that act need to throw their heads under the pillow.

“We are not the only oil producing country, why is it that it is only in Nigeria that people steal crude oil? This must stop.”

“We will be decisive in putting an end to this malaise. Our charge to all relevant agencies and departments of government is to work cooperatively with the required urgency this challenge deserves,” he added.

He explained that the maritime sector was key to his transformation agenda.

His words, “The sector, to say the least, is a major engine in our national growth strategy. Our maritime industry helped to enhance our position as a regional leader in several areas.

“Besides improved prospects in traditional sea-related activities such as fishing, shipping, ship-building and repairs, agriculture and tourism, the sector is a major hub in offshore oil exploration and production activities and will remain so in the foreseeable future.”

“Given its importance in the national economy, we have an uncompromising obligation to safeguard our territorial waters against all threats: poaching, piracy, pipeline vandalism, coastal insecurity, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, non-payment of statutory levies and charges, illegal entry of ships into our territorial waters, illegal importation of arms and hard drugs, among other sundry crimes.

“Even though it is generally known that the West African coast has the richest fishery resources in Africa, our inability to take advantage of our endowment has been attributed to inadequate law enforcement and industry capacity.”

Meanwhile, a 15-man committee to be responsible for charting a course for the effective running of the maritime sector has been inaugurated by the President at the end of one-day Presidential Retreat on Maritime Security, Monday.