Chairman of the National Economic Council on Crude Oil Theft, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, has urged the International community to give maximum support to Nigeria in the fight against crude oil thieves.

He made the plea while speaking with journalists after his address at Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors Council meeting in London weekend. Dr. Uduaghan specifically requested support in the areas of sophisticated surveillance equipment, tagging, identifying final destination of the stolen crude and proceeds. He also urged them to block the inflow of small arms into the country.

He revealed that the committee approved by President Goodluck Jonathan which comprises of six state governors, members of the state security agencies, the Petroleum Minister, National Planning, Justice, NNPC officials, NIMASA and all the IOCs has been working tirelessly to reduce the crude theft which stands at about 40,000 barrels per day.

Uduaghan said the committee is laying a lot of emphasis on prosecution, assuring that all cases are being streamlined by the legal task force headed by the Minister for Justice and that some cases will be starting soon

He also appealed to the IOCs (International Oil Companies) to be alive to their social responsibilities and commended Chevron for the initiative of regional development councils which is giving its host communities a sense of ownership

Governor Uduaghan also urged the companies to look inwards as the technology involved the in the sealing of crude oil is very sophisticated and requires the knowledge of those in the industry to succeed.

He assured Nigerians and the international community that the Jonathan’s administration has the political will to stop the crime as it is causing a huge loss of revenue and causing serious environmental damage.

•Photo shows Governor Uduaghan.