President
Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday said the Federal Government was exploring
the possibility of using an electronic pipeline surveillance to track
oil theft in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the President stated this at a two-day oil and gas investment forum in Onne, Port Harcourt.
Jonathan, who was represented by the
Senate President, David Mark, described the menace of oil theft as
worrisome, stressing, however, that government was ready to tackle it
headlong.
“Relevant regulatory agencies are
working round the clock to combat the challenge, considering the
strategic position of oil and gas in the economy. My administration has
embarked on a number of far-reaching measures to combat these
unwholesome activities. Government is exploring the possibility of using
electronic pipeline surveillance to track down oil theft,” he said.
The President directed that the agencies
concerned should also ensure strict enforcement of the ban on the
illegal discharge of cargo and receiving of vessels at private jetties.
He said steps should be taken to guard against the breach of national security and loss of revenue to government.
According to him, government generated
revenue in the zone has increased from $5.4bn to $7.1bn in 2013 and the
Foreign Direct Investment from $4bn to $4.2bn dollars in 2013.
“Available statistics indicate that the
companies operating in the free zone have increased from 150 in 2011 to
170 in 2013, employment regeneration has increased from 30,000 in 2011
to 34,000 in 2013. Support to family livelihood has grown from 180,000
in 2011 to 200,000 in 2013. If these indices are not indicating an
attractive environment for investors, I wonder what else they are,” he
said.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and
Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, said the Oil and Gas Free Zone would
continue to be a catalyst for the diversification of the economy.
The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi
Amaechi, called on investors to ensure optimum utilisation of investment
opportunities in the state, to promote maximum economic growth in the
country.
No comments:
Post a Comment