In a bid to revamp Nigeria’s economy, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has given troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army a one-month ultimatum to boost oil production in the Niger Delta region.
Addressing the troops in Port Harcourt, during his visit to Rivers State, on Tuesday, Oluyede emphasized the critical role of the military in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure, stressing that Nigeria’s economy relies heavily on oil which is the country’s economic mainstay.
The Niger Delta region, which is home to Nigeria’s oil-rich fields, has been plagued by pipeline vandalism, and other forms of criminality, resulting in significant losses to the nation’s economy.
Gen Oluyede highlighted the consequences of failing to increase oil production, explained that a decline in oil production would lead to a rise in the value of the dollar, resulting in higher prices of food and other essential items. This, in turn, would have a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
To achieve the goal of boosting oil production, the COAS tasked the troops with taking a more proactive approach to securing the oil infrastructure.
The COAS, who recognized the challenges faced by the troops in the region but emphasized the need for them to redouble their efforts to protect the oil infrastructure.
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He said: “In the next one month, I must find changes here. Oil production must go up at all cost.
“So, just go and do your work and do it well. I know this environment very well; I was the GOC here, so there is nothing you can tell me.
“There is no other way as it is now that the Dollar will come down if the government does not make money from oil.
“Because oil is the mainstay of the economy. So if we are not making money from oil, the Dollars will keep on rising, and that means food and everything will be expensive.”
The COAS warned the troops against engaging in any illegal activities, stating, “In the next one month, I must find changes here. Oil production must go up at all cost. So I have just come to talk to you as your father and as your leader.
“Now, as your father I will beg you to what is correct. Now, as your leader, if you do not do what is correct I will deal with decisively.
“So, if you don’t want to be in soup, just go and do your work and do it well. Like I told you, I know this environment very well, I was the GOC here, so there is nothing you can tell me. So go tell your colleagues that this is my message,” he said.
He urged the troops to work diligently, promising that their efforts would be rewarded.
He also addressed the troops’ welfare, stating that he has informed President Tinubu about the Army’s predicament, including issues with accommodation, kitting, and other essential needs.
“And let me tell you, I have told Mr President about our predicament in the Army. Talking about accommodation, kitting, whatever.”
He assured the troops that their welfare would be improved, citing plans to provide massive accommodation for them and their families.
The COAS concluded his address by reiterating the importance of the troops’ role in securing the nation’s oil infrastructure. “We must make things better here. Is that clear? Okay, I have passed my message.”