NSCDC To Intensify Screening Of Petroleum Tankers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi is to intensify its screening of petroleum tankers coming into the state to build on the success recorded in the fight against petroleum products adulteration.

Mr Phillips Ayuba, the Commandant of the corps in the state, made the affirmation in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki.

Ayuba said the NSCDC was encouraged by the commendations it was getting from the public for its achievement in the fight against petroleum products adulteration and was spurred to enhance its performance.

“Our intensive screening of petroleum tankers has infused the spirit of attitudinal change in the drivers as they now ensure that only certified petroleum products are brought into the state,” he said.

The commandant added that the command had also intensified its surveillance at strategic locations such as petroleum depots and filling stations.

“We have officers usually dressed in mufti at various fuel depots and filling stations, who monitor activities at these locations and feed us back with relevant information.

“They alert us whenever there is any discrepancy in the loading of products and this helps us in promptly intercepting the defaulting tankers on entry into the state or wherever they are operating within the state,” he said.

Ayuba said officers of the corps also screened the particulars of tankers to ascertain their authenticity, while the sources of loading were also contacted for verification.

“Nigerians can go to any length in the desire to acquire wealth, so we confirm from the sources to guard against discrepancies on the part of drivers,” he said.

He noted that the Department of Petroleum Resources had been of immense assistance to the state NSCDC command as it helped to ascertain the authenticity of most petroleum products.

“Other relevant security agencies such as the police and the military have also been of immense assistance to us; so also is the state government which has always provided the enabling environment for us to operate,” he said.

Ayuba urged the public to continue to assist the command with relevant information that would aid its operations, and assured them of improved services and absolute confidentiality at all times.