Anselem Anokwute
The Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, has initiated a collaborative effort with security operatives to combat illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Henry Okafor, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, emphasizing the need for collective action to address this economic sabotage.
The ministry aims to gather intelligence, report criminal activities to security agencies, and ensure oil companies operate responsibly, providing jobs and infrastructure for the local community.
The government and stakeholders agree that ending illegal oil bunkering will generate revenue for development and improve the region’s ecosystem.
Okafor insisted that the reason for the Stakeholders meeting is to inform the people on the government decision to deal decisively on the contraveners of the riots act against illegal oil bunkering and Crude Oil theft in the State.
Speaking Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon Major Emenike and his Colleague in the Ministry of Petroleum, Hon. Mgbudom who was represented in the event said that they are prepared and determined to collaborate with the Niger Delta Affairs ministry to get rid of the bunkering menace in the State.
Accepting to shun the illegal activity Oil bunkering and Crude Oil theft in the Area, Former General Manager ENTRACO, Hon. Jeff Nwoha thank the organizers of the Programme for the wide range of publicity and exonerate the Youth of Ohaji Egbema Oguta and Oru East from further involvement in such criminal activity.
He pointed out that the Youth will also love to have a future such as creations of job opportunities and employment from the Oil Companies operating in the Area.
The Chairman of the Occasion was Former Inspector General of Police. Chief Mike Okiro while Traditional Rulers such as HRH Eze Nnani Nzereibe Of Oguta Ancient Kingdom and Eze Nwokeoma of Umuokanne, Ohaji Egbema LGA, President Generals, Women and Youth Leaders from the Niger Delta region of the State are the special guests meant to take the information back home to their respective communities to ensure that the issue of Illegal Bunkering and crude Oil theft remained a thing of the past in Imo State.