In an attempt to create an atmosphere for dialogue with Niger Delta militants, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the military to cease operations in the region for 2 weeks.
According to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu who made the disclosure in Abuja on Monday, the Federal Government is keen to dialogue with the militants so as to restore genuine peace in the region, where oil production has been significantly hampered by the activities of nascent militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, in the last two months.
“The President is interested in dialogue and has mandated the military to halt actions for about two weeks to ensure a team that will be led by the NSA, dialogues with the militants to ensure peace in the region.
‘’The avenue is open for them, provided the militants are willing to embrace dialogue and allow truth to reign because we are going to involve key leaders from the region who have had previous experience in that area to play whatever role they can," he said.
He added that the Federal Government
team will consist of top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, service chiefs and ministers from the Niger Delta.
Since the NDA began their attacks on oil installations two months ago, production has fallen by 600,000 barrels to 1.6m barrels per day.
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