In bid to combat the rampant theft of Nigeria’s crude oil resources, the Nigerian Senate has taken action to stop this evil menace.
The lawmakers said they have committed to identifying and exposing high-profile individuals, including security personnel, who may be linked to the pilfering of crude oil from the Niger Delta region, a problem that has severe economic repercussions.
The decision to investigate this issue more comprehensively was made during a Senate session where Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolution, which directed several Senate Standing Committees to collaborate in conducting a thorough investigation.
These committees include Oil and Gas, Host Communities, Downstream Petroleum, Upstream Petroleum, Niger Delta, and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The motion that prompted this action, titled “Urgent need to investigate the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta and the actors,” was sponsored by Ned Nwoko and co-sponsored by Ede Dafinone Omueya and Joel Onowakpa Thomas.
During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s heavy reliance on crude oil for economic growth and job creation, citing statistics that highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s GDP.
He revealed that the oil sector contributed 6.33% of Nigeria’s GDP, equivalent to $45.6 billion in 2022, and played a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for millions of citizens.
Crude oil theft in Nigeria has a long history, dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s during the military regime, leading to prolonged socio-economic crisis. Despite collaborative efforts, including those involving the Nigerian military and various security entities, the problem has persisted.
Senator Nwoko pointed out that oil theft has been facilitated by the cooperation of some security personnel and oil company employees, leading to substantial losses for the country.
According to him, it was reported that Nigeria suffered daily losses of approximately 437,000 barrels of crude oil, valued at $23 million, due to criminal activities. Between March 2023, Nigeria incurred a substantial loss of 65.7 million barrels of crude oil, valued at $83 per barrel, translating to a staggering revenue loss of N2.3 trillion as a result of oil theft.
Senator Barinada Mpigi also highlighted a lack of synergy among security operatives as a major factor fueling oil-related crimes in the Niger Delta. He claimed that individuals involved in oil theft had the backing of high-profile persons, including security personnel.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole equally urged the Senate to call specific security agencies to investigate oil theft and take further actions to address the issue. He stressed that it was organized theft and recommended the involvement of the Chief of Naval Staff, Army Staff, and Air Staff.
After extensive deliberation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the committees to report back within six weeks for further legislative actions. This move signals a commitment to addressing the deeply entrenched problem of crude oil theft in Nigeria, which has not only economic but also environmental and security implications.
