By TINA TIMOTHY

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, have pledged continuous partnership.

According to a statement issued on Thursday April 18, 2024 by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, their continuous partnership as critical stakeholders, will not only “address the issues of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation, illegal refineries and other economic sabotage perpetuated by criminal elements,” but will protect the nation’s assets, increase oil production as well as improve the economy.

The statement reads: “In continuation of his consultation with key stake holders in the country, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa today, Thursday, 18 April 2024 has paid a courtesy calls on the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN respectively. The CDS was on the visit to seek further ties with the ministries as critical stakeholders in Nigeria.

“Speaking when he visited the petroleum Ministry, General Musa pledged continuous partnership with the ministry in order to address the issues of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation, illegal refineries and other economic sabotage perpetuated by criminal elements. He added that "our national assets must be well protected, if that is done, the oil production will rise and economy will improve."

“Furthermore, Gen. Musa said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will support the ministry to ensure Nigeria maximises the profit from its natural resources. He assured the minister that Defence Headquarters (DHQ) will provide maximum security to oil facilities in the country.

“The minister, Senator Lokpobiri in his remarks thanked the CDS for coming, while offering to collaborate more with DHQ to reduce economic sabotage as it affects our nation's economy. He pledged to give the DHQ all necessary support to protect all critical oil facilities to improve oil production.

“At the Ministry of Justice, the CDS appreciates the laudable achievements of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He called for more assistance from the ministry in areas of protection of human rights of troops while performing their duties. The minister thanked the CDS, while pledging to provide all necessary legal support to the AFN in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”

•CDS, Gen. Chris Musa and Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and their aides in a group photo

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