By Chidimma Okwara
The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to securing oil and gas facilities in the South-South region in a collaborative effort with the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
This pledge was made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a visit from the SSDC delegation. The military’s renewed focus is a response to persistent issues of militancy, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and oil theft that have plagued the Niger Delta for years, significantly impacting Nigeria’s economy.
The Managing Director of SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, said the commission’s agenda was centred around addressing militancy, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, and community violence.
Akpabio explained that the SSDC proposed frameworks for intelligence sharing, rapid response, community engagement, and capacity building to protect critical infrastructure and stabilise the region.
Key Aspects of the Renewed Strategy
- Partnership and Intelligence Sharing: The military will collaborate closely with the SSDC to develop frameworks for intelligence sharing, rapid response, and community engagement. This is a shift toward a more proactive, rather than reactive, approach to security.
- Community-Based Initiatives: There is a strong emphasis on involving local communities to address the root causes of unrest, such as unemployment and restiveness. This includes a focus on promoting youth entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability programs.
- Infrastructure Protection: The core of the mission is to protect critical infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the army is “winning the war” against oil theft, with a significant increase in daily crude oil production as a result of their efforts.
- Impact on the Economy: The enhanced security measures have already led to a notable increase in oil production. For instance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has attributed a recent surge in oil revenue to the improved security situation in the Niger Delta. The government is also working to prosecute those involved in oil theft to serve as a deterrent.
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This visit marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the SSDC and the armed forces to foster peace, security, and economic transformation in the South-South region.
Akpabio was accompanied by Dr Charles Enukhowate, Joseph Ugheoke, Executive Director, Environment and Commercial, Marcus Ejii, Executive Director, Projects, among others.
This renewed commitment to a collaborative and community-oriented strategy aims to not only secure national assets but also foster peace and sustainable development in the region.
