By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian Army (NA) for the commendable job being done in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
He gave the commendation during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Minister while commending the NA, particularly 6 Division, said, “The country needs your support to increase oil production to 2.3 million barrels per day.”
He further said that it is encouraging that the figures are going up daily, urging that the trajectory be sustained.
This, he said, will help stabilized the economy in the long run for the common good of all Nigerians.
He stated that the country has recorded significant achievements in the oil and gas industry, adding that oil production has increased from 1.4 to 1.7 million barrels per day. He emphasized that the figures are encouraging and promising for the economy.
While underscoring the essence of his visit to 6 Division, he maintained that it was essentially to encourage troops and commend the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the selfless service they continue to render to the nation.
The eulogy goes, most especially to 6 Division, Nigerian Army, for the current drive in combating crude oil theft in the NDR.
The Defence Minister, while commending the GOC for the operational exploits, lauded his efforts in prioritizing troops’ welfare.
He added that the newly constructed Commanding Officer, 26 Engineer Support Regiment, and Regimental Sergeant Major official residences, he inaugurated were clear indications that the NA is tackling the welfare issues of officers and men.
This, he said, is highly commendable while calling on troops of the Division to redouble their efforts in the ongoing fight against illegal oil bunkering in the region.
He further pointed out that if the current drive is sustained, it will enable Nigeria to meet up her expectations of 2.3 million barrels per day, and a remarkable feat that he maintained is achievable.
Earlier, the GOC, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam welcomed the HMOD to Headquarters 6 Division and briefed him on the ongoing operations in the Division’s AOR.
He highlighted the successes recorded in several anti illegal bunkering operations conducted in the region.
He reassured the HMOD of the determination of the Division under his watch to effectively deny oil thieves freedom of action and provide a conducive environment for oil companies to carry out their exploration activities seamlessly.
He further stated that the Division has fully keyed into the COAS’ command philosophy, which prioritizes the administration and welfare of troops.
