CCDI partners UN to tackle oil theft, boost energy in Nigeria

The Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria and Maryland, United States, has announced a collaborative effort with the United Nations, alongside the University of Washington to curb oil theft and revamp Nigeria’s energy sector.

Together, they will host a session titled “Sustainable Energy Security in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects” during the upcoming spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors scheduled to take place between April 15 and 20 in Washington DC, United States.

A statement jointly signed by the Permanent Representative of CCDI, Olufemi Aduwo: and a Director of Clean Energy, University of Washington, Prof Dan Schwart, on Tuesday, noted that the session aimed at addressing critical aspects of Nigeria’s energy security landscape.

Aduwo said the objectives were to highlight the challenges of oil theft and the international dimension of how to tackle the menace and also the prospects available to potential investors in Nigeria’s energy sector.

A Nigerian-American and the current Deputy Secretary of Treasury, United States, Wally Adeyemo, will deliver a keynote message at the session.

Aduwo added that the mission of CCDI is to ensure that the world remains an unparalleled community of freedom, peace, security, and shared values, including individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

“We are united in our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the three main pillars: peace and security, rights and sustainable development,” he said.

He added, “Since 2012, the organisation has organised sessions during World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors meetings and also at United Nations, New York on global and regional socio-political issues.”

Commenting on the lingering crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the representative of the organisation claimed it submitted letter and met with the Director General, United Nations Office at Geneva on how the war could be curbed, noting that the global economic progress is faltering.

“The uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Russia invasion of Ukraine, dramatic shifts in international trade and political upheaval have left many disillusioned and triggered social tension, worsened inequality across the world and a more urgent need to foster cooperation is urgently needed,” he explained.

Aduwo said that regardless of the global economic situation in Nigeria, all hands must be on the deck to resolve the crisis and the major issues.

“The government must tackle corruption and end stealing with impunity among government officials which include elected officials and top civil servants,” he stated.