NSCDC SYNERGIZES WITH YEAC-NIGERIA ON THE FIGHT AGAINST PIPELINE VANDALISM, OIL THEFT IN RIVERS STATE
The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has expressed willingness to synergize and partner with Youths and Environment Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) on the fight against the organized crime of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and illegal bunkering in Rivers State.
The leadership of both organizations made the commitments today, August 2 during a courtesy call on the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Basil Igwebueze by the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface with his entourage.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Fyneface Dumnamene thanked the State Commandant and his team for the opportunity for the courtesy call, commended him for the achievements of the command so far within the short period of his deployment to Rivers State and said the visit was “to enable us congratulate you on your appointment and posting to Rivers State, familiarize ourselves with you, discuss collaboration and partnership with you in the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental pollution in Rivers State”. Mr. Fyneface commended the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC for towing the part of its advocacy not to set confiscated illegal refinery facilities and seized trucks allegedly conveying illegal petroleum products.
Mr. Fyneface further reeled out the roles and activities of YEAC-Nigeria which are in tandem with that of the NSCDC to the State Commandant when he said “YEAC-Nigeria is registered to campaign against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refining and environmental pollution which are in line with the mandate of the NSCDC and we work with Governments and security agencies in the fight against organized crime in Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea”.
He said also told the State Commandant and his team that Advocacy Centre coordinates the Network on Organized Crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NOCINAC), an organized crime intelligence information generation and sharing platform to support security operatives in the fight against organized crime and promotes alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal refiners through Modular Refineries for which 18 approved licenses are being expected from the Federal Government as we;; as the legalization and integration of artisanal refineries into the national economy (Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative-PACORDI) among others.
Mr. Fyneface expressed the willingness and readiness to partner with the NSCDC in the fight against the organized crime of artisanal refineries
Also speaking, a member of YEAC-Nigeria’s delegation and Coordinator of “Rivers West Modular Refinery Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd”, Chief Isaac Opiriyabo thanked State Commandant for the approved visit and called on him to added his voice to the call for the issuance of Modular Refinery Licenses, strengthen his security in the fights against artisanal refineries as he also works as a member of the Tantita Security Services Ltd in the Bille area of Rivers State. Chief Isaac who is also the Chairman of Association of Rivers State Modular Refinery Multi-Purpose Co-operative Societies further stressed the need for other security operatives to add their voices for the government to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal refiners displaced by the security options.
Responding, the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Basil Igwebueze thanked the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene and his entourage for the visit. Mr. Basil spoke extensively on the efforts of the NSCDC in the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude theft and artisanal refineries in Rivers State.
Mr. Basil acknowledged the role of civil society organizations and community networks in intelligence gathering in the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refining and illegal bunkering activities and expressed commitment to partner with YEAC-Nigeria as his doors are always open to receive suggestions and information that can address the issues. He further said his Command understands the implications of setting ablaze suspected artisanal refinery sites and facilities which other security operatives do but he does otherwise due to its implications on the environment.
The NSCDC Boss at the event moderated by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Olufemi Ayodele further said the skills and technology demonstrated by artisanal refiners are awesome and can be better improved and utilized to refine products legally (this is in line with PACORDI) and supports the call for the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal refiners but his command will continually ensure that there is no safe place for pipeline vandals and artisanal refiners.
On the entourage of the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria to the meeting were members of staff, members of Modular Refinery Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society for Artisanal Refiners and Network on Organized Crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NOCINAG) in Rivers State including Mr. Frank Nornubari, Mr. Bere Letam Noble, Miss Blessing Porobunu, Vigale Gbereva, Chimamkpam Avadi, Chief Isaac Opiriyabo, Mr. Douglas Adenija and Mr. Sunny from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
