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 made the announcement 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 action against oil theft by assigning the committee a clear mandate, which includes:
Investigating the role of security forces, militia groups, local communities, and oil company employees in crude oil theft. And 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 infrastructure.
While presenting the motion, Senator Nwoko emphasized the devastating economic impact of crude oil theft and the suffering of oil-producing communities. He highlighted that five out of the nine local government areas in his senatorial district contribute significantly to Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production. Yet, these communities continue to endure extreme poverty, lacking basic necessities such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
