Illegal activities to stop on waterways in Anambra state

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Marine Equipment and Oil Suppliers (MEOS) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers (NUPENG) has

warned members against indulging in illegal activities such as illegal oil bunkering, adulteration of Petroleum products and other sharp practice within the waterways.

The Warri zonal Chairman, MEOS Branch of NUPENG, Comrade Monday Tenkumor, stated this during the flag off/inauguration of the Lower Niger field Unit at Amaenye Village hall Abagana in Njikoka Local Government area of Anambra state.

He maintained that MEOS which was affiliated to NUPENG in 2012, was aimed at undertaken the business of rental of marine equipment and supplies of vessels in Nigeria territorial waters and to engage in other areas of oil and gas industry including marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products, adding that the Lower Niger field unit comprise of Anambra, Kogi and some parts of Delta States.

Tenkumor, who was represented by the zonal secretary, Comrade Kess Okeligho reminded the newly inaugurated coordinators that it is not within their constitutional responsibility to go after vessels carrying food stuffs or other products that are not oil products.

“NUPENG will deny any member that indulges in sharp practices that is not in line with the federal government policies on marinetime industry. So, do not apprehend any vessel that is not carrying crude or refined oil product. We will collaborate with security agencies as well as the petroleum and maritime regulatory agencies to curb the menace of host communities and petroleum workers’ conflict” he said.

For some of the activities that benefit MEOS customers and clients, Tenkumor explained that MEOS in conjunction with foreign concerns are into the leasing and management of various sizes of vessels for wet cargo, related marine equipments for upstream services and other marine support services, even as he revealed that MEOS has a robust financial base of all equipment per day/trip, which he said, is paid to the coffers of MEOS.

A NUPENG-Marine member and Patron, Comrade Alex Akaorah said the essence of the flag-off is to create awareness that the unit is now into full operation and to as well remind those who still do illegal business in Anambra, Kogi and Delta waterways to steer clear as their will be no hiding place for any of them.

Akaorah, however noted that they can’t do the work alone without the cooperation of the security agencies in the states even as he advised members to play the game according to the rule.

Earlier, the Lower Niger Unit chairman of NUPENG-Marine, Comrade Bashir Maaji, said the association will strive to discourage and eradicate the engagement of outdated equipment, illicit petroleum transactions, oil theft and vandalism of critical assets of the petroleum sector, stressing that constructive enlightenment programmes of activities across the petro-maritime and shipping sectors is still required among members to enable them inculcate the appropriate practice direction in line with the  government policies.
The Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col Mohammed Bello who was represented by Maj. Ibrahim T.O. congratulated NUPENG for the flag-off and urged all to collaborate and cooperate with security agencies by adhering strictly to the rule and regulations guiding NUPENG.
“It is very important to note that security is a collective responsibility of every Nigerian. I want to seize this opportunity to urge the newly inaugurated coordinators to ensure that they adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding NUPENG. Let your conduct not be selfish. Whatever you do, you owe allegiance to NUPENG. Seek knowledge as it regards the maritime equipment and conduct.

“We are all working together for the good of this nation. We will give you the necessary protection to enable you perform optimally. We will not sleep, so that you can sleep” he assured.

Others who spoke at the event include, the Managing Director orient Petroleum, Engr. Sonny Okoye, represented by Marcel Ihejiofor, Anambra state Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Ben Dikur represented by Superintendent Njoku Adaobi, the first Deputy Chairman of  NUPENG-Marine, Enugu unit, Comr. Meje Jerome, HRM, Igwe George Obalim Ekwealor of Umuoba Anam, NUPENG Marine Stakeholder and MD VeeCee Industry Ltd, Chief Victor Emeka among other.