The Niger-Delta Development Initiative (NDDI), a pro-democracy and development organization, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil bunkering and illegal oil activities in the South-South region.
The group specifically praised the proactive approach of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, and his team in addressing the persistent challenge of oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Rev. Sam Smith Tonye, the President of NDDI, conveyed appreciation for Vice Admiral Ogalla’s courage and effectiveness in tackling criminal activities in the seas and the country’s waterways.
The statement highlighted the positive outcomes of Ogalla’s initiatives in confronting pirates and illegal oil traders, emphasizing that these actions have notably reduced financial losses suffered 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.
