Otuaro pledges support for Defence Team to tackle oil theft in Niger Delta

…..Assures Sustained Oil Production Amid Ongoing Efforts

By Kunle Sanni

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, has pledged the programme’s full support for the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team in their fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, at the PAP office in Abuja on Thursday, Otuaro highlighted the critical need for collaboration to tackle illegal oil bunkering and safeguard vital oil infrastructure in the region.

A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro, reaffirmed PAP’s commitment to the government’s objectives, emphasizing that these efforts align with the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s rising crude oil production, now at 1.8 million barrels per day, would be sustained, attributing the progress to intensified efforts against oil theft and vandalism.

“We are committed to working with you to eradicate oil bunkering and other related activities in the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated. “The increase in oil production output reflects our collective success, and we are confident that it will only grow stronger.”

Otuaro also highlighted PAP’s ongoing reintegration initiatives, which focus on formal education, vocational training, and empowerment programs for beneficiaries, including women. He noted that expanding these efforts, alongside increased stakeholder engagement, would foster long-term peace and stability in the region.

With additional funding, he assured that PAP’s scope could be further enhanced to better support national security and economic stability.

Defence Team Praises PAP’s Role in Sustaining Regional Peace
Major General Jamil Jimoh, who led the Defence Headquarters team, called for continued collaboration with PAP to strengthen their operations in the Niger Delta. He acknowledged Otuaro’s deep understanding of the region and commended his efforts in promoting peace and stability.

“We’ve engaged with stakeholders across the Niger Delta, and it was crucial for us to meet with the PAP Administrator, who has been instrumental in maintaining peace in the area,” Jimoh said. “His expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we continue our mission.”

The visit marked part of the Defence team’s tour of the Niger Delta to engage with key stakeholders in the ongoing fight against oil-related criminal activities.

Jimoh also lauded PAP’s role in advancing sustainable development, describing the programme as a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to ensure national security and economic growth.