BY FRED ODU
The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step in combating the widespread issue of crude oil theft by establishing an Ad-Hoc Committee focused on addressing the crisis.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district, was appointed as the Chairman of the committee.
The creation of this committee followed a motion presented 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.”
The motion, which highlighted the severe economic impact of oil theft on Nigeria and the suffering of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta, called for urgent action to combat the illegal activities.
In his motion, Senator Nwoko pointed out the paradox faced by the Niger Delta, despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas production, the region is plagued by extreme poverty and lacks access to basic services such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Nwoko emphasized that this inequality has created a cycle of hardship for local communities, who continue to face dire conditions while the country benefits from their oil wealth.
In response to the motion, the Senate swiftly moved to establish the Ad-Hoc Committee, which has been tasked with investigating the root causes of crude oil theft, identifying the key players involved, ranging from security forces to militia groups, local communities, and oil company employees, and uncovering the extent of their involvement in the illicit activities.
The committee is also responsible for recommending stronger enforcement strategies, including the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies such as aerial drones, to protect oil installations.
Additionally, it has been directed to encourage collaboration between the federal and state governments to create conflict resolution mechanisms involving key stakeholders, such as International Oil Companies (IOCs), host communities, and security agencies.
Senator Nwoko, in a statement on the committee’s readiness, noted the grave implications of oil theft on Nigeria’s economy.
The country loses billions of dollars annually to illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and theft, destabilizing the economy and undermining the energy sector.
This, in turn, limits the government’s ability to fund critical infrastructure and development projects.
The senator emphasized that crude oil is Nigeria’s most valuable natural resource, and safeguarding it is crucial for economic stability, national security, and the well-being of the nation.
He also expressed the committee’s commitment to ending destructive practices, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring that Nigeria fully benefits from its abundant oil resources.
Describing the committee’s mission as a “pressing national assignment,” Senator Nwoko aligned its objectives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the fight against oil theft is vital for Nigeria’s economic and national security.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Senator Nwoko concluded by expressing his readiness to collaborate with colleagues, security agencies, and industry stakeholders to tackle the issue of oil theft head-on, restore the nation’s economic prosperity, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s oil sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.
With the establishment of the committee, there is growing hope that decisive measures will be taken to address the root causes of oil theft and ensure the nation’s oil wealth is used to propel its progress.
