BY RONALD MUTUM
The Nigerian Navy has launched a new website on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The website, www.cot.navy.mil.ng provides details relating to exploration, nominations, approvals, movement and trans-shipment of petroleum products as promulgated by relevant authorities.
A statement by the Nigerian Navy spokesman, Commodore Kabir Aliyu, said the website is in compliance with a Presidential directive to the Nigerian Navy to ensure that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are wiped out from the nation’s maritime environment.
“The website serves as a platform to share information, exchange ideas with the international community and reports of suspicious activities. The website also generates the desired global awareness on the scourge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.” Aliyu said.
“For the benefit of doubt, the only authorized agency that is allowed to nominate, approve lifting, movement and trans-shipment of petroleum products by whatever means of transportation is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“In the light of this, any vessel not nominated or approved to lift petroleum products by NNPC has contravened established regulations relating to lifting/ transportation of petroleum products and is therefore liable for prosecution as provided by law.
“In view of the foregoing, members of the public are advised to report any information concerning illegal activities relating to petroleum products to the Nigerian Navy, other Services, security agencies, NNPC, Directorate of Petroleum Resources and the Nigeria Police for necessary action.
“All are hereby warned against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities in Nigeria as culprits will be prosecuted and sanctioned accordingly,” the statement said.
Via: http://allafrica.com/
