By Austin Oyibode
Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and representative of Delta North in the National Assembly, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday with the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria to address the persistent and devastating impact of crude oil theft on the nation’s economy and security.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Senator Nwoko underscored the urgency of decisive action to combat oil theft, emphasizing its detrimental effects on economic stability, investor confidence, and national development.
The high-level discussion focused on key strategies, including: Enhancing intelligence-sharing frameworks, Improving surveillance operations and Strengthening inter-agency collaboration
According to Senator Nwoko, implementing an effective and coordinated strategy is essential to curbing oil theft and securing Nigeria’s vital resources.
“Crude oil theft drains billions from our economy, undermines investor confidence, and hampers national progress. Tackling this issue requires decisive action, and as a committee, we are committed to stronger policies, advanced security measures, and holding perpetrators accountable,” he stated.
Senator Nwoko reaffirmed that the committee’s mission aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes resource security, economic stability, and national development.
“Protecting our crude oil reserves is not just about revenue; it is about ensuring a sustainable future for all Nigerians,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of his fellow committee members and commended the Chief of Defence Staff and his team for their efforts in securing Nigeria’s oil resources.
“This engagement reaffirms our collective resolve to protect Nigeria’s economic backbone and ensure that our natural wealth serves its rightful purpose—advancing national growth and prosperity,” he noted.
Senator Nwoko reiterated the committee’s commitment to driving sustainable reforms, strengthening oversight, and eliminating illegal activities that threaten Nigeria’s progress.
“The fight against crude oil theft is a shared responsibility, and together, we will secure a better future,” he affirmed.
