The Senate has resolved to investigate all activities of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The call followed the adoption of a motion on the “Urgent Need to Investigate the incessant and nefarious acts of Crude Oil Thefts in the Niger Delta and the Actors,” sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko(APC, Delta North), and co-sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone Omueya (APC, Delta Central) and Senator Joel Onowakpa Thomas (APC, Delta South) on Tuesday during plenary.
This was a result of the incessant acts in the region which the Upper Chamber said was affecting the nation’s economy.
The Senate therefore mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources, (Upstream, downstream,) Gas, Host communities and Niger Delta to immediately conduct a holistic investigation into sophisticated methods employed by crude oil thieves in their operations.
In his lead debate, Senator Nwoko noted Nigeria’s dependency on crude oil for its economic growth and development and highlighted its significant role in providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian citizens.
He also noted that the National Bureau of Statistics reported the oil sector contributed 6.33% of the Nation’s GDP which translates to $45.6 billion in 2022.
“The oil sector in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian citizens and accounts for 70% of its budget financing while oil and gas made up 90% of export income and 85% of Government revenue in the first quarter of 2022.”
The lawmaker recalled how crude oil thefts began during the military regime from the late 1970s and early 1980s causing socio-economic crises in the country for several years.
Nwoko further opined that oil theft in the country has been made easier due to the cooperation of security personnel and employees of oil corporations, defeating all attempts to combat this unlawful behaviour.
He equally prayed the Senate to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the affairs of individuals or government departments charged with responsibilities and provide them with substantial oversight powers.
In his contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the Senate to call on specific security agencies to investigate the issue of oil theft in order to take further actions to curb the issues.
“These are organised theft and we need to call on the Chief of Naval Staff, Army Staff, and Air Staff for interrogation and know the next actions to take.”
Consequently, the Senate mandated its committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Gas Host Communities, and Committee on Niger Delta to launch an investigation into the actions of security forces, militia groups, the local populace, oil company employees, and any individual(s) or entities suspected to use sophisticated methods to pilfer from oil facilities within the country.
The committee is expected to report back in 6 weeks for further legislative actions.
Writing by Abdullahi Lamino; Editing by Daniel Adejo
