The Minister of Petro
leum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has described the process of oil theft and the perceived support globally as a form of terrorism.
While making the assertion that crude oil theft was being aided by international syndicates she said the action has continued to be a cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s economic growth.
The minister who stated this recently in far away London said the intention of such action was not only to defraud the economy but was also aimed at discouraging investors.
Delivering her Keynote address at the power list 2014, where she was also listed as one of the 25 Africans who were transforming the continent,  Allison-Madueke said such crime was a threat not only on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector but also the security of the Gulf of Guinea in particular and the global economic order in general.
“Theft of this magnitude is not only highly technical, but it is also an international crime.
“It is aided and abetted by syndicates outside of Africa who are the patrons and merchant-partners of the oil thieves.
“This crime against Nigeria must be resisted as we simultaneously deploy in-country resources to fight this menace. It perpetuates criminality, defrauds economies and discourages investment,” she said.
She further called on the international community to join in the fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria.
In her presentation which was titled: The Strengths and Obligations of the African Diaspora, the petroleum minister expressed worry that the sustained oil theft has dampened concerted efforts of government in ensuring economic growth in the country.
“The grave phenomenon of oil theft and its global support system represents another face of terrorism counteracting our efforts at sustaining the trajectory of our high-growth economy, the stability of our society and the enhancement and wellbeing of our people,” the minister said.
She further explained that efforts to fight the menace at the home front was met with less success due to the international slant of the crime.