Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has given assurance that government at the centre is doing everything possible to bring the menace of crude oil theft, and its attendant effect on the nation’s economy, to an end.
Uzodimma, who spoke to newsmen on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, said he discussed progresses being made on the fight against oil theft with the VP.
Uzodimma is Chairman of the National Economic Council’s sub-committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention, which was set up in 2023 to review the existing architecture and make recommendations to stop oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Over the years, Nigeria has lost billions of dollars in revenue to crude oil theft, which has thrived despite measures introduced by the government.
On purpose of the visit and his discussions with Shettima, Imo State Governor said “this is our headquarters of the federal government and the federal government belongs to the All Progressive Congress and you know I am the chairman of the progressive governors forum and I have come to welcome back the vice president and you know he is the Chairman of NEC.
“I came to give him an interim briefing arising from the subcommittee on crude oil theft that I am chairing on behalf of NEC. So we had a very positive discussion. It’s still a work in progress.
“We are addressing it. At the end of the day, we are going to bring a final solution to this monster called crude oil theft”, he said.
Uziodimma also spoke on the importance of reconciliation efforts within the APC, citing the ongoing rapprochement between the party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State.
According to him, the most important thing is the interest of Nigeria and the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Government is one and no matter the political party you belong to, we are one. At the end of the day, what we are looking for is how to ensure that the ordinary man on the street is taken care of and there is security for all of us and the welfare of our citizens is also protected, which is the primary purpose of government,” he stressed.
Asked how important Kano is to APC, he said “Kano is not only important to APC but to Nigeria, so it’s an important state for all of us.
“NNPP is a political party, APC is a political party. The most important thing is the interest of Nigerians and the people,” Uzodimma added .
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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