By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEL) have strengthened their partnership to enhance security in the oil and gas sector, with a renewed focus on protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.The Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Dennis Reuben, PhD, FIIA, FIOO, made this known during a courtesy visit to the General Manager of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Suoton Bereprebofa, in Port Harcourt.The meeting centred on deepening collaboration between both organisations to improve security, safeguard oil and gas facilities, and ensure efficient service delivery within the sector.Speaking during the visit, Commandant Reuben reaffirmed the NSCDC’s statutory role as the lead agency responsible for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. He stressed the need for continuous engagement with stakeholders in the oil industry and host communities to strengthen security measures, particularly along the waterways and pipeline corridors.He noted that effective cooperation among security agencies, industry operators and local communities remains vital to curbing vandalism, crude oil theft and other threats to national economic assets.Responding, the General Manager of RAEL, Mr Bereprebofa, commended the NSCDC for its commitment to securing critical infrastructure and pledged the company’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and stability in the oil and gas industry.He reiterated the company’s determination to contribute to the Federal Government’s target of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day, stressing that the protection of oil pipelines and other strategic facilities is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.Both parties expressed confidence that stronger collaboration would further improve the protection of vital oil and gas infrastructure and support the nation’s drive for increased production and economic development.