The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
IPMAN Chairman, Hon. Bello Binna, made the appeal on Monday, in Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Commander of the EFCC, ACE Nwanneka Nwokike, in his office.
A statement by the Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, Binna stated that the EFCC is the only agency trusted to give solutions to issues of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the region.
According to the statement, “In the past, our efforts have been wasted, we were advised that the agency who has the mandate to do our job effectively is the EFCC.”
The IPMAN boss maintained that the association is more comfortable with what the EFCC is doing, adding that with the support of the agency, their jobs will have a headway.
On his part, Nwokike said that the EFCC is working tirelessly to end the menace of illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
He also stressed the need to sensitise the youths within the region on the dangers of illegal oil bunkering on them and the environment.
He stated, “We will educate our youths on the dangers of this, which is part of our mandate, educating our youths on why they must leave these illegalities. We must all come together to see how we can tackle this menace. I want to assure you that we will work together.”
