The Senate has appointed Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, as the chairman of its ad hoc committee on crude oil theft.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the appointment during plenary on Tuesday, February 11.
The establishment of this committee stems from a motion sponsored by Senator Nwoko on July 25, 2023, titled “Need to Investigate the Incessant and Nefarious Acts of Crude Oil Thefts in the Niger Delta and the Actors.”
In response, the Senate resolved to take decisive measures to combat crude oil theft, including:
Investigating the role of security forces, militia groups, local communities, and oil company employees in crude oil theft.
Directing security agencies to deploy advanced surveillance technologies, such as aerial drones, to protect oil installations.
Encouraging federal and state governments to implement conflict resolution mechanisms involving International Oil Companies (IOCs), host communities, and security agencies.
Mandating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to collaborate with host communities, local and state government officials, IOCs, and security agencies to safeguard oil pipeline infrastructure.
While presenting the motion, Senator Nwoko emphasized the severe economic consequences of oil theft and the struggles faced by oil-producing communities.
He highlighted that five out of the nine local government areas in his senatorial district contribute significantly to Nigeriaās crude oil and gas output.
Despite this, these communities remain trapped in extreme poverty, lacking access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, social services, and employment opportunities.
