Reps panel wants special fund for NSCDC, Customs to tackle oil theft

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses has canvassed special intervention funds for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enable them to perform optimally.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alhasan Ado Doguwa, said this on Tuesday during a special session/hearing on the utilisation of special intervention funds to combat crude oil theft across the country.

Doguwa expressed displeasure over the lack of support for the NSCDC to carry out its constitutional mandate.

It would be recalled that the Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses was inaugurated on October 30, 2023, by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudden Abbas, pursuant to section 62 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Doguwa said the NSCDC has a crucial role in protecting the country’s critical assets and infrastructure across Nigeria.

The Chairman promised to ensure that the NSCDC is fully involved in the war against oil theft and losses in Nigeria.

He called on the security agencies present during the meeting to speak up and share their challenges in order for the Committee to make informed decisions that will help the country.

“We commend the Federal Government’s efforts in the protection of the oil and gas pipelines, flow stations, export terminals, among others, and the procurement and deployment of technologies in a bid to stem the monumental theft and losses of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources,” he said.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who was represented by Deputy Commandant General Philip Ayuba, informed the committee that the core mandate of the Corps is to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the country.

The Commandant General further informed the committee that the Corps has not been able to access the special intervention fund from any agency to fully carry out its mandates.

He complained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had not allowed them to operate effectively or deliver on their mandates.

He alleged that his establishment has been sidelined from contributing to fulfilling their core mandate in the country.

He expressed displeasure over NNPCL’s attitude towards their personnel across the country.

He said the NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have refused to incorporate them into the special intervention fund in the country.

The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who was represented at the event by Oloyede Adekunle, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (ACC), said they have not been receiving assistance from any establishment to carry out their assignment.