NMDPRA seeks military support to combat fuel crimes in Akwa Ibom

NMDPRA seeks military support to combat fuel crimes in Akwa Ibom

In a decisive move to tackle the persistent issues of petroleum product diversion, price gouging, and the sale of adulterated fuels in Akwa Ibom State, the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) visited Brigadier General Jaafar Ibrahim, Commander of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) South South Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The visit aimed to seek military support in combating fuel-related crimes in the region.
According to Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Lieutenant Adebowale Adejimi, Brigadier General Ibrahim hailed the visit as a crucial step towards collaborative efforts to curb illegal activities plaguing the petroleum sector. He expressed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting NMDPRA’s regulatory efforts. “The Nigerian Army is dedicated to maintaining the security and economic stability of our nation. We will deploy necessary resources to assist in identifying and apprehending those involved in these illicit activities,” General Ibrahim affirmed.

The Commander assured that the alliance would send a strong message to perpetrators that the government is determined to clean up the petroleum sector and protect consumers from exploitation. He emphasized that this proactive approach signals a new era of accountability and stringent regulation within the industry.

State Coordinator NMDPRA, Barrister Ike Eseka, outlined the persistent challenges facing the organization, emphasizing the urgent need for military assistance. He noted the disturbing trend of petroleum product diversion, exorbitant pricing, and adulteration, which pose severe risks to consumers and the economy. Eseka stressed that these unethical practices undermine public trust and violate regulatory standards. The collaboration with the Nigerian Army aims to bolster enforcement measures and ensure compliance across the state.

The visit concluded with a strategic plan to conduct joint operations targeting hotspots of illegal petroleum activities. Both parties agreed to establish a task force comprising regulatory officials and military personnel to enhance surveillance and enforcement.

High points of the event included the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

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