Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate, Ned Nwoko, has said that “Nigeria, as Africa’s largest oil producer, loses billions of dollars annually to oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism,” saying these activities not only weaken the economy but also disrupt the energy sector and limit the country’s ability to fund critical infrastructure, social services, and development programs.
He said this via a post on X on Wednesday, following his appointment as the Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.
He added: “Crude oil remains Nigeria’s most valuable natural resource, and protecting it is essential for economic stability, national security, and the well-being of all Nigerians.”
He continued: “Our goal is to end this sabotage, restore investor confidence, and ensure that Nigeria fully benefits from its natural wealth.”
Meanwhile, he described his new portfolio as “a pressing national assignment that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” just as he opined that “for years, crude oil theft has remained a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, depleting government revenue, discouraging investment, and undermining national security.”
His post reads further: “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the focus is on transparency, accountability, and economic growth. I look forward to working with my distinguished colleagues, security agencies, and industry stakeholders to address this challenge decisively.”
“Together, we will secure Nigeria’s oil resources and build a more prosperous future for all,” he concluded.
The said committee is tasked with investigating the root causes of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, identifying the key actors and networks facilitating these illegal activities, reviewing existing security measures and recommending stronger enforcement strategies, engaging stakeholders—including security agencies, oil companies, host communities, and government agencies—to develop sustainable solutions and strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to deter oil theft and hold perpetrators accountable.
SOURCE: oasismagazine.com.ng