As FG’s team visits Bayelsa, Diri claims that oil theft poses a serious threat to the Niger Delta.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has pledged the state’s cooperation in the fight against oil theft, which he claims threatens the Niger Delta region.

Speaking to a delegation from the federal government on Monday at Government House in Yenagoa under the direction of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Diri claimed that oil theft had a bad impact on the environment and reputation of the area.

In the best interests of the area and the nation as a whole, he urged swift action to reverse the dismal trend.

Diri bemoaned the loss of locals’ means of subsistence due to oil theft, which also has an impact on government at all levels. She emphasized that serious consequences may result if the theft is not curbed or drastically reduced.

Diri praised the efforts made by the states and the federal government to combat the problem, recalling discussions the Chief of Defence Staff had with governors on the subject.

He gave the delegation his word that his administration would do its part to see that it is dealt with properly.

State and federal administrations rely heavily on oil. Therefore, oil theft affects not only the federal government but also our state government and municipal governments. We have talked about this frequently and will do it again.

“We’re talking about how oil bunkering activities have blatantly ruined our environment. You may see oil floating on our rivers if you visit our communities, which has left the inhabitants without a source of income. Unknown illnesses and diseases have resulted from it.

“Oil theft in the Niger Delta is having a spiraling effect that is having an impact on the people and the towns. So, I’d want to greet you and tell you that we will work together to put an end to oil theft.

Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, stated in his remarks that the delegation from the federal government was in the state to seek cooperation in order to put an end to oil theft in the Niger Delta.

He claimed that considering its detrimental impact on the nation’s economy, oil theft should no longer be tolerated since it was occurring at an alarming rate.

Sylva bemoaned the severely diminished production, which he claimed was also having a detrimental effect on foreign investments in the nation.

The former governor of Bayelsa praised Diri for his readiness to work with the federal government to put an end to oil theft.

General Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff, said the military has increased operations engagements to halt criminal activity in the area.

He stated that the nation was being hurt by the actions of oil thieves and urged those who were committing acts of sabotage to reconsider their actions, failing which the military would crack down on them.

In addition, Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, stated that the nation is in a terrible condition that is damaging both the environment and the economy.

He claimed that it is crucial to work together with the states in the area because only one level of government can accomplish this on its own.