Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande has called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the ENC jurisdiction to seal off or decommission disused oil well heads.
He made the call during an interview with newsmen in his office in Calabar, saying the call became necessary for environmental reasons and to enable them know which wells were still operational for security reasons.
Akinwande noted that some of Nigeria’s most productive oil installations situate in the ENC zone, and the navy’s presence provides security cover for them.
We also need more supports from the IOCs and Governors of the Niger-Delta states,” he said, stressing that Navy had the most cost intensive platforms.
“This is why we call for accelerated prosecution of criminal elements arrested. This will help conserve our little funds for other purposes”.
“For instance, there is a tri-partite meeting between the Nigerian Navy, host communities and IOCs. This meeting is chaired by Commander NNS PATHFINDER”.
“Also, the Commanding Officer FOB IBAKA holds regular meetings with the Ibaka Fishermen Union”.
“On the whole, the engagements with the host communities has fostered common understanding, burden sharing and mutual trust.”
He also called on the IOCs and governors of the Niger Delta States to extend more support to keep their platforms afloat.
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