Reps Push for Funds to Support NSCDC and Customs in Oil Theft Battle
The House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses has suggested providing special funding to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to improve their effectiveness.
The NSCDC Commandant General has claimed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has excluded them from participating in their key responsibilities and that NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Office of the Accountant General have not included them in the special intervention fund.
During a special meeting in Abuja about tackling crude oil theft, Chairman Hon. Alhasan Ado Doguwa made these recommendations. He expressed frustration with the lack of support for NSCDC to perform its duties.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, represented by Deputy Commandant General Philip Ayuba, emphasized the corps’ important role in safeguarding national assets and infrastructure.
However, Ayuba pointed out that they have not received any special funds, which has limited their effectiveness.
Similarly, Assistant Comptroller Custom Oloyede Adekunle, representing the Nigeria Customs Service, reported that they also lack support from other agencies.
Doguwa assured that the NSCDC will be more involved in combating oil theft and praised the Federal Government’s efforts to protect oil and gas infrastructure.
He urged the security agencies present to voice their challenges so the Committee can make better decisions to help the country.
Doguwa acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to protect oil and gas pipelines, flow stations, and export terminals, as well as their investment in technology to prevent theft and losses.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, represented by Deputy Commandant General Philip Ayuba, reiterated their main role in protecting critical infrastructure across the country but noted the lack of access to special intervention funds.
He criticized NNPCL for not allowing them to perform their duties effectively and expressed frustration over their exclusion from the intervention fund.
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, represented by Assistant Comptroller Custom Oloyede Adekunle, also reported a lack of assistance from other agencies for their operations.
