Abuja – The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has commended the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at curtailing the recent fuel scarcity across the country.
This is contained in a statement signed by Emmanuel Okeh, the NSCDC’s Spokesperson, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
It said the NNPC, however, called for more collaboration and partnership with the Corps.
“This is to ensure that more personnel are deployed to the various depots across the country in order to escort trucks to various designated locations in the country to check product diversions and other sharp practices,“it said.
The statement also quoted Abduallahi Gana, the Commandant General of the Corps, as saying that the NSCDC was statutorily mandated to Protect Critical Infrastructure and National Assets as the lead agency.
“Therefore, it is imperative for the Corps to put in extra efforts in the discharge of its constitutional role with zeal and renewed vigour,’’he said.
He said the call to deploy more personnel to the depots was a welcome development.
“It is a sign of recognition that the excellent performance of the Special Task Force at curtailing diversion and tackling the ugly situation of fuel scarcity as well as long queues was not in vain,’’he said.
He stressed that the assignment must be carried out with all sense of humility, dedication, integrity, commitment, passion and conscientiously without compromise.
“With collective efforts, the Corps will propel to greater heights by justifying its existence and the confidence reposed in the organisation by the government and the populace.’’
Gana, while reassuring NNPC, PPMC and DPR on a robust working relationship through the Joint Operations, also called on other sister agencies, stakeholders in the oil industry and the general public to cooperate with the corps.
“We solicit your cooperation with our Special Task Force in the discharge of their onerous assigned duties in order to serve you better.
“The availability of products at the stations can only be made possible if we all work together as members of one family,’’ he said.
He also assured the personnel of prompt payment of their allowances and adequate welfare packages as a motivational force to work without compromise.
Gana, however, warned the personnel that the corps would not condone any act of indiscipline and corrupt practices, adding that anyone who indulged in any dubious act would face the wrath of the law. (NAN)
