The House of Representatives is seeking for special intervention funds for NSCDC and NCS to enable them combat oil theft in the country
The House of Representatives special committee on oil theft has recommended a special intervention fund for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC), and the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) to enable them combat all forms of oil theft.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Alhasan Ado-Doguwa (APC, Kano), made the recommendation on Tuesday during a hearing. He expressed displeasure over lack of support for the NSCDC to carry out its constitutional mandate.
It would be recalled that the committee on oil theft/losses was inaugurated on 30th Oct 2023 by the Speaker, Rep Tajudden Abbas.
Doguwa said the NSCDC has a crucial role of protecting the country’s critical assets and infrastructures across Nigeria. He promised to make sure that the security agency is fully carried along 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, 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 NSCDC, who was represented by his deputy, Philip Ayuba, informed that the core mandate of the corps is to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the country. He further disclosed that the corps has not been able to access the special intervention fund from any agencies to fully carry out its mandates.
He complained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had not allowed them to operate effectively as well as deliver on their mandates, adding that his establishment has been sidelined from contributing to fulfill their core mandate in the country.
He said the NNPCL, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have refused to incorporate them in the special intervention fund in the country.
The Comptroller General of the NCS, who was represented by Oloyede Adekunle, Assistant Comptroller, said the agency has not been receiving assistance to carry out their assignment.
