From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has pledgeed its collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in fighting oil theft and other petroleum related economic crimes in Niger Delta.
The Zonal Operations Controller of DPR in Port Harcourt, Mr. Bassey Nkanga, gave the assurance on Tuesday, when he received a team from the EFCC Zonal office in Port Harcourt, led by the new Head, Mr Usman Imam.
Mr Nkanga said the DPR gives EFCC priority in the analysis of product samples, “because we recognize the importance and urgency to release quality status in aid of your investigations”.
Though he observed some recent challenges in the relationship between the two agencies, the Zonal Operations Controller was quick to assure that the challenges would not affect the tempo of collaboration.
“We believe the relationship between the EFCC and DPR will continue to be strong because we recognize that what you do is in the best interest of Nigeria and nothing will stop us from collaborating with EFCC. We will double the efforts,” he said.
Responding, the EFCC Zonal Head, Imam thanked the DPR management for receiving his team despite the short notice.
According to Imam, “my mission here is to get acquainted with you and explore how we can continue to strengthen the collaboration between our agencies. I need not overemphasize the fact that we have, and continue to benefit from the resources of the DPR.
“Your technical inputs, in the areas of petroleum products analysis to determine the type, quality, and quantity; as well as the documentation of oil bearing vessels, have greatly assisted our investigations of oil theft, which is a major activity of the zonal office.
The EFCC Zonal boss pledged to build on the foundation of close collaboration established by his predecessors.
He urged the management of the DPR to put behind them the challenges experienced in the past, assuring of a new vista of robust synergy and collaboration in the fight against illegal oil bunkering and other maritime related economic crimes.
