Chief of Defence Staff , General Christopher Gwabin Musa, strengthened strategic bonds with Nigeria’s Petroleum and Justice Ministers on Thursday for enhanced collaboration.
Musa paid courtesy calls on the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, respectively. The CDS was visiting to seek further ties with the ministries as critical stakeholders in Nigeria.
Speaking when he visited the Petroleum Ministry, General Musa pledged continuous partnership with the ministry to address the issues of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries and other economic sabotage perpetuated by criminal elements. He added that “our national assets must be well protected, if that is done, the oil production will rise and the economy will improve. “
Further more, Gen. Musa said the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN) will support the ministry to ensure Nigeria maximises the profit from its natural resources. He assured the minister that Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) will provide maximum security to oil facilities in the country.
In his remarks, the minister, Senator Lokpobiri thanked the CDS for coming, while offering to collaborate more with DHQ to reduce economic sabotage as it affects our nation’s economy. He pledged to give the DHQ all the necessary support to protect all critical oil facilities and improve oil production.
At the Ministry of Justice, the CDS appreciates the laudable achievements of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He called for more assistance from the ministry in areas of protecting the human rights of troops while performing their duties. The minister thanked the CDS while pledging to provide all necessary legal support to the AFN in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Acting Director, Defence Information
18 April, 2024.
