The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company L.td (NNPCL) to strengthen security around all the creeks in the Niger Delta region.
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the NEC meeting chaired by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, held at the Presidential, Villa Abuja, on Thursday.
Uzodinma, who chairs the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, reported major progress in curbing oil theft and vandalism since the committee’s reconstitution last year.
He said the collaborative efforts between the NNPCL, the Navy, security agencies, and state governments had raised crude oil production to over 1.7 million barrels per day.
Uzodinma added that the committee’s mandate has now been expanded to include tackling illegal mining and theft of solid minerals nationwide.
” The council was satisfied with our progress and directed us to extend the same model to secure solid mineral resources being illegally mined and exported.
” We will continue to work with all stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s wealth,” he said.
Uzodinma commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to economic stability and national security.
The Governor assured that the governors remained united behind the Renewed Hope Agenda.
” The prosperity that Mr. President promised Nigerians is gradually becoming a reality.
Uzodinma said,”Our duty is to sustain it through integrity, cooperation, and effective governance at all levels.”
