From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has assured the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team of the PAP’s support for their mandate to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Otuaro made this assurance during a courtesy visit by the joint monitoring team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, to the PAP office. He noted that the team deserved support in its efforts to reduce illegal oil bunkering and attacks on critical oil infrastructure.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro affirmed the PAP’s willingness to collaborate with the joint monitoring team, stressing that it aligned with the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the government’s efforts to address challenges in the region.
He expressed satisfaction with the country’s rising oil production, which has reached 1.8 million barrels per day, attributing the improvement to intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“I know that the essence of the PAP is for national and human security in the country and the region. We are going to work with you at any time. It’s part of the things we can do within the mandate given to me by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Based on that, we will collaborate with you to ensure the eradication of oil bunkering and other related activities in the Niger Delta. The country’s oil production output is on the rise and has reached 1.8 million barrels per day as announced sometime last week by the NNPCL. We are confident that it will increase more than that.”
Otuaro highlighted the PAP’s ongoing implementation of the reintegration phase, which includes initiatives in formal education, vocational training, and post-training empowerment for delegates, beneficiaries, and women. He also emphasised the importance of deepening stakeholder engagement for sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
Earlier, Major General Jamil Jimoh, leader of the joint monitoring team, sought the support of the PAP to enhance the effectiveness of their operations. He explained that the visit was part of the team’s tour of the Niger Delta to engage with stakeholders.
Jimoh commended the PAP Administrator for his efforts in promoting sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta, noting that Otuaro’s deep understanding of the region was a valuable asset in maintaining peace and stability in the area.