By Ebinum Samuel
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting critical petroleum and energy infrastructure, preventing economic sabotage and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to secure strategic economic assets across Ogun State.
The police spokesman for the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the Commissioner gave the assurance while receiving the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Dr Atilola Simeon Akinyemi, and members of the Authority’s management team during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The engagement focused on strengthening operational coordination and enhancing security around petroleum distribution facilities, gas infrastructure, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities and other critical energy assets across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Akinyemi outlined the NMDPRA’s regulatory mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, highlighting its responsibility for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. He emphasised the importance of effective regulation and collaboration with security agencies in protecting energy investments, ensuring compliance and supporting economic growth.
Dr Akinyemi expressed appreciation for the Ogun State Police Command’s support in securing petroleum-related operations and infrastructure. He sought an enhanced operational partnership with the Command and assured the Commissioner of the Authority’s continued cooperation on regulatory, technical and security matters.
In his response, Ojajuni acknowledged the NMDPRA’s strategic role in the petroleum sector and stressed the importance of protecting critical energy infrastructure against vandalism, theft, illegal operations and other activities capable of undermining public safety and economic stability.
Drawing on his previous operational experience involving the regulatory framework of the then Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Yola, Adamawa State, the Commissioner underscored the importance of police support in enforcing the law, deterring economic sabotage and maintaining a secure environment for legitimate business activities.
He assured the delegation that the Command would continue to provide appropriate security support within the ambit of the law, strengthen intelligence sharing and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address threats to petroleum and energy infrastructure. He emphasised that such cooperation must respect the respective statutory responsibilities of both institutions.
Ojajuni further noted that safeguarding critical infrastructure is essential to investor confidence, industrial productivity and economic development, particularly in Ogun State, a major industrial centre. He commended Dr Akinyemi and his team for the initiative and expressed confidence that stronger inter-agency cooperation would enhance the security of strategic energy assets.
The Ogun State Police Command urges industry operators and members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around petroleum facilities and other critical infrastructure through appropriate security channels. The Command remains committed to proactive policing, lawful enforcement and sustained collaboration with relevant agencies to protect lives, property and legitimate economic activities across the state.
