Oil & Energy
Security Critical To Oil Sector Growth – NCDMB
The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has highlighted the importance of security to the growth of the nation’s oil and gas sector.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, therefore called for collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force towards improving the operations in the sector.
Wabote spoke during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja recently, according to a statement.
He said the visit was necessitated by the need to foster collaboration between the police in safeguarding lives and infrastructure within the NCDMB’s operational areas.
“The Police Commissioner in Bayelsa has provided tremendous support in terms of security in the past, and we are here to ask for more security support for staff and critical infrastructure,”
He reassured the police of the NCDMB’s support in the areas of security equipment and human capacity building.
Wabote said the success recorded by the board since inception in April 2010 included in-country retention of over 30 per cent oil and gas industry annual spend against less than five per cent prior to the enactment of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
In his response, the Inspector -General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for the visit and commended the executive secretary for the achievements made so far by the board.
He assured the NCDMB of the Nigeria Police’s security support to enable it to maximally perform its core mandate.
According to him, the Nigeria Police will do everything possible to synergise and improve the board’s performance in line with its obligation to provide adequate security in the entire country.
Adamu urged the NCDMB to effectively collaborate with the police command in Bayelsa State in the area of corporate social responsibility and other stakeholder engagements.
The IGP said the police was committed to collaborating with government agencies to help tackle the current insecurity challenges plaguing the nation.
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.