The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed the government’s determination to tackle oil facility vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Mr Lokpobiri spoke when the interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu led his team on a visit to the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister promised to collaborate with the Presidential Amnesty Programme to sustain the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.

Mr Lokpobiri commended Mr Ndiomu and his team for their dedication to supporting the federal government’s initiatives to create a conducive environment for investors and promote national prosperity.

He emphasised the importance of continuing to pursue measures to achieve economic prosperity.

In his remarks, the amnesty boss promised to continue to put in more efforts to ensure that the peace in Niger Delta was sustained.

Mr Ndiomu reminded the minister that oil theft had drastically reduced in the Niger Delta since he assumed office.

He reiterated his commitment to work with the ministry towards a more prosperous and secure future for the Niger Delta and the nation as a whole.

(NAN)