President Muhammadu Buhari has warned telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria against placing their desire for huge profits above the security needs of the country.
Buhari gave the warning in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday while interacting with members of the Nigerian Community there.
Buhari, who was in Abu Dhabi for the World Future Energy Summit, said the registration of all mobile phone users, “without exception”, would help the security agencies to pre-empt terrorist attacks.
The president said all telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria must adhere to the rules and guidelines of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in that regard.
According to Buhari, the war against terrorism can only be won with collective efforts and commitment of all stakeholders to halting the scourge.
The president also vowed that his government would deal decisively with “the seeming resurgence” of oil theft, vandalism of pipelines and insecurity in the Niger Delta.
Buhari, who noted that the Armed Forces had already dealt “deadly blows” on Boko Haram, assured that the activities of oil thieves and vandals would soon be brought to an end.
“The oil thieves and abductors are a less problematic target. We will re-organise and deal with them” President Buhari said.
The president also stated that his government would continue to vigorously pursue the ongoing war against corruption, saying more persons who had abused the public trust would be exposed and brought to justice soon.
Buhari said his administration was committed to re-establishing former standards of accountability and probity in the management of public funds which, according to him, were jettisoned under past administrations.
The president stressed that in view of the economic reality of dwindling oil prices, Nigeria’s resources should be spent on real development projects, not luxuries.
