In a proactive move to strengthen efforts against illegal oil bunkering and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Navy has called for an increased partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This appeal was made by Commodore Desmond Okechukwu Igbo, Commander of the Nigerian Naval Ship, NNS Pathfinder, during his visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Commodore Igbo affirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the anti-graft initiatives of the EFCC and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling the pervasive issue of illegal oil bunkering. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he expressed the Navy’s dedication to working in synergy with the EFCC to enhance the economic landscape of Nigeria.
“Our aim here is to further cement this cordial relation that has existed before now and to improve and to work in synergy to ensure that the economy of Nigeria is improved. Our dedication, working collaboratively is to improve the economy of Nigeria,” Commodore Igbo stated during the visit.
In response, Assistant Commander of the EFCC and Port Harcourt Zonal Commander, ACE 1 Ahmed .M. Ghali, acknowledged the significance of the collaboration between the two agencies. He emphasized the interconnectedness of various agencies in executing their mandates and expressed gratitude for the Navy’s recognition of the EFCC as a stakeholder.
“We are indeed grateful for identifying us as one of your stakeholders. We tackle economic and financial crimes, notably illegal dealing in petroleum products. The mandate you have to eradicate or to bring to the barest minimum cases of crude oil theft and other illegal dealing in petroleum products is also our mandate,” Ghali remarked.
Highlighting the EFCC’s commitment to the eradication of illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region, Ghali assured that the Commission would intensify its efforts in collaboration with the Navy. The joint commitment of the Nigerian Navy and the EFCC reflects a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal oil bunkering, ultimately contributing to the overall economic advancement of Nigeria.
