The House of Representatives in Nigeria has directed its Special Committee on Oil Theft in the Niger Delta to investigate the causes of ongoing rivalry and conflict of operational responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and private security firms engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC). The resolution follows a motion presented by Hon. Donald Ojogo.
Ojogo highlighted that the Nigerian Navy is a statutory national security agency established to protect Nigeria’s maritime integrity and territorial waters, including safeguarding national assets such as oil and gas infrastructure. In August 2022, aspects of securing the nation’s oil and gas assets were outsourced to private security firms with knowledge of the Niger Delta to prevent oil theft and enhance productivity.
However, conflicts and altercations between the Nigerian Navy and private security firms have emerged, potentially jeopardizing collaboration and the nation’s oil output projections. Recent incidents, including reported gunfire exchanges, have raised concerns about the impact on oil production and the economy.
The investigation aims to address the rivalry and conflicts, ensuring effective collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
