The Niger-Delta Development Initiative (NDDI), a pro-democracy and development group, has lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in combating oil bunkering and illegal oil activities in the South-South region.
The group expressed appreciation for the proactive stance of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and his team in addressing the longstanding issue of oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Rev. Sam Smith Tonye, acknowledged the bravery and effectiveness of Vice Admiral Ogalla in curbing crimes and criminality around the seas and the nation’s waterways.
The statement mentioned the positive impact of Ogalla’s measures in combating pirates and illegal oil merchants, noting that these efforts have significantly reduced the financial losses incurred by the Nigerian government.
“Before Mr. Ogalla came on board as Naval henchman, the proliferation of pirates and illegal oil merchants in Niger Delta had cost Nigeria’s Government a great fortune,” Rev Tonye remarkedm
Tonye commended Ogalla for his commitment to eradicating such activities, stating that the top merchants and their collaborators in Abuja now realize it’s no longer “business as usual.”
The group specifically praised the Chief of Naval Staff for the substantial reduction of oil theft in the Niger Delta and for safeguarding the nation’s coastal waters from external threats. NDDI argued that Ogalla’s tenure, which began about six months ago, has brought about positive changes in the Niger Delta region.
Recall that, the House of Representatives, had in July, 2023, raised alarm over the incessant oil theft in Nigeria.
As a result, President Tinubu appointed Mr Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff in June, 2023, just few days after his inauguration as president
