President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the European Union to help the country stop oil thieves and cure the wrath of corruption in the Petroleum industry.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources has already partnered with the country’s military to curb the recurring attacks on pipelines and crude oil theft.
The issue of oil theft and pipelines vandalism has plagued Nigeria for so many years with President Muhammadu Buhari even vowing to crackdown on oil thieves who have vandalized pipelines in parts of the country.
President Buhari had said about 250,000 barrels per day of crude is stolen in Nigeria, which produces more than 2 million barrels per day.
Addressing the European Union parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, the President also asked the union to also assist his government in its efforts aimed at recovering looted funds.
“Nigeria is facing the challenges of oil-theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta as well as recovery of illicit funds. In this regard, Nigeria solicits the cooperation of the European Parliament to support the efforts aimed at stemming these vices.”
“Our attempt to restore security, curb corruption and fight crime will result not only in improving social stability in Nigeria but will re-open the doors for full economic relations with Europe and the rest of the world.
“Those who wish to invest in our country have immense opportunities and we intend to guarantee the security of people and investments brought to Nigeria,” Buhari said.
The President also assured the union that his administration was doing its best to protect the fundamental human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram.
The abduction of the girls on April 14, 2014 sparked global outrage with many joining a campaign online to free them using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.
Several nations including the US and China vowed to help find them and there have been reported sightings of the girls, but none has been found to date.
In his address, Buhari reiterated the commitment of his government towards securing the release of the female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state.
“It may interest you to know that in a recent meeting I had with parents of the Chibok Girls, I assured them that government would not rest until all the Chibok girls are rescued alive. I remain committed to this pledge,” he said.
“For our part, we have updated our rules of engagement in fighting terrorism and pay very close attention during operations to the treatment of captured terrorists, civilians caught up in the conflict and in general, safeguarding property.
“Our aim is to use minimum force necessary in our fight against terrorists.”
