From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft/Losses has tasked the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on collaboration with other agencies for the protection of public assets.
Consequently, the committee charged the corps to collaborate with other stakeholders to develop a Critical National Security Assets and infrastructure ( CNAI) Protection Response Plan, that designates roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
The chairman of the panel, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, gave the charge, when he led the committee on a visit to the NSCDC headquarters, in Abuja.
Ado-Doguwa, who was represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon Sesi Olawasegun,also that that there was need to conduct a comprehensive review and risk assessment to ensure the protection of the oil pipelines and other critical assets
According to him, “These core responsibility of protecting Critical National Security Assets and infrastructure (CNAI) among others are so germane to solving the devastating menace of crude oil theft currently ravaging our country
“May I also emphasise that the protection of critical assets and infrastructure is very vital to the continued existence of every nation globally. To that effect, the Nigeria’s National Security Strategy (NNSS) 2019, captured and emphasised the urgent need for safeguarding these assets.
“It was clearly stated in the National Security Strategy document that: ‘The key objectives of identifying, classifying and prioritising Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) are to determine appropriate levels of protection required for each CNAI or groups of CNAI; enhance the resilience of CNAI to hazards; and minimise the effect of attacks or disasters on CNΑΙ.’
The lawmaker also promised that the parliament would support the NSCDC to continue to protect critical national infrastructure, including oil pipelines and other oil and gas assets in a bid to tackle oil theft, vandalism and activities inimical to the economy of the country.