The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has called for the collaboration and assistance of traditional rulers in combating oil theft in Rivers State.
The NDDC Executive Director of Finance, Boma Iyaye made the call during the Commission’s interactive session with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State representative of the NDDC, Tony Okocha and Iyaye visited the Traditional Rulers Council, to interact on better ways to achieve development in the state.
Addressing the traditional council, Iyaye noted that the leaders of the various communities have a role in helping government and security agencies in securing the state’s assets and stopping oil theft.
According to Iyaye, when oil theft is combated in the region, Nigeria will generate more revenue, and in turn, increase funds allocated to the Niger Delta region.
Iyaye said, “I will appeal to our majesties and our highnesses, you have a role to play.
“The role is, how do you assist the government to protect our oil assets? How do you assist the security agencies to protect the state from oil theft? Because you know some of these persons who engage in this act.