Navy calls for closure of abandoned oil wells

Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, has directed international oil corporations (IOCs) operating in ENC jurisdiction to seal or decommission abandoned oil wells heads.

He made the call while speaking with the media in his Calabar office over the weekend.

He stated that the contact was important for environmental reasons and to determine if the abandoned oil wells were still active for security reasons.

Some of Nigeria’s most productive oil installations are located in the ENC zone, and the navy’s presence provides security for them.

Akinwande also urged the IOCs and governors of the Niger Delta states to provide further help to keep their platforms afloat.

“We also need more supports from the IOCs and Governors of the Niger-Delta states,” he said, stressing that Navy had the most cost intensive platforms.

He revealed that the costs of nursing and sustaining the crews and ships they capture for illicit oil activities have risen significantly.

“This is why we call for accelerated prosecution of criminal elements arrested. This will help conserve our little funds for other purposes”, he stated.

Regarding their relationship with host communities, Akinwande stated, “The command has continued to pursue a robust collaborative engagement with coastal communities through regular meeting to address maritime related threats.

“For instance, there is a tri-partite meeting between the Nigerian Navy, host communities and IOCs. This meeting is chaired by Commander NNS PATHFINDER.

“Also, the Commanding Officer FOB IBAKA holds regular meetings with the Ibaka Fishermen Union.

“On the whole, the engagements with the host communities has fostered common understanding, burden sharing and mutual trust.”