Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has assured Nigerians that the federal government will soon end crude oil theft in Nigeria.
The governor disclosed this to State House correspondents yesterday after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The governor chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) Sub-Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention.
He briefed the vice president, who heads NEC, on the progress made by the sub-committee so far.
“We had a very positive discussion. It’s still a work in progress. At the end of the day, we are going to bring a final solution to this monster called crude oil theft,” Uzodimma said.
Nigeria loses billions of dollars in revenue annually to crude oil theft, which has thrived despite measures introduced by the government over the years.
Uzodimma’s committee was set up in 2023 to review the existing architecture and make recommendations to stop oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The governor also spoke on the importance of reconciliation efforts within the APC, citing the ongoing rapprochement between the party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State.
He said the most important thing is the interest of Nigerians and the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Government is one and no matter the political party you belong to, we are one. At the end of the day what we are looking for is how to ensure that the ordinary man on the street is taken care of and there is security for all of us and the welfare of our citizens is also protected, which is the primary purpose of the government,” he stated.
Asked how important Kano is to APC, he said, “Kano is not only important to APC but to Nigeria, so it’s an important state for all of us.
“NNPP is a political party, APC is a political party. The most important thing is the interest of Nigerians and the people.”
