Oil Theft: Why Vessels Operate Undetected – NPA Boss

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko has explained reasons why vessels engaged in crude oil theft on Nigerian waters go undetected.

Koko who disclosed this to State House correspondents on Tuesday during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential communication said its because they turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS).

According to him, such ships evade arrest because they switch off their onboard automated identification system which displays the vessel’s position in the vicinity.

He noted that the authority does not have the required technology to detect their origin or destination.

Koko said the NPA is now in the process of procuring the technology called the Vessel Tracking Service (VTS) to enable it to identify, locate and monitor all vessels in the nation’s waters.

According to him, the agency has been trying to acquire the VTS for about 10 years now and has just identified a certified consultant, while also working with the Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG) Company to help with critical detection.

He assured that the technology will be procured before the end of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.