Naval Chief Urges IOCs on Intellegence Sharing

Naval Chief Urges IOCs on Intellegence Sharing

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has charged International Oil Companies to ensure sustained information and intelligence sharing with security agencies towards a secured operating environment in the Niger Delta.

The CNS gave this charge while hosting the Managing Director (MD) of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr Lorenzo Fiorillo today in his office. Admiral Ibas utilized the opportunity to express concern over the use of illegally sourced petroleum products by some oil industry operators, which he stated, violates global best practices.

He commended Agip for the existing collaboration between the company and the Nigerian Navy, particularly the provision of berthing facilities by the company to Nigerian Navy ships.

According to the CNS, with the sustained induction of new ships into the NN inventory, provision of berthing facilities would enable the NN respond adequately to threats in the maritime environment, assuring that the NN will continue to collaborate with Agip and support its operations. The CNS also requested for regular over flight reporting of incidences of maritime security interest observed in the course of Agip routine operations to the NN.

Subsequently, Mr Fiorillo appreciated the concern of the CNS over the practice of patronizing illegally sourced petroleum products by some oil companies, pledging that Agip will collaborate with the NN to stamp out the practice. He also commended the NN for the improved security situation in the maritime domain and extended an invitation to the NN to participate in a one-day workshop on Security and Human Rights being organized by the company slated for 14 October 2019 in Abuja.

The MD also added that the workshop is designed to raise awareness on the issues of human rights and the threat factors in Security Management System. He said the workshop will draw participants from senior management staff of relevant oil companies, security agencies and the National Human Rights Commission. Mr Fiorillo reiterated that the workshop will facilitate interaction and enhance the knowledge of concerned authorities and personnel on how to carry out their duties professionally and in line with international human rights standards and regulations.

SULEMAN DAHUN
Commodore
for Chief of the Naval Staff