Senator Ned Nwoko Leads Call for Probe into Alarming Revenue Shortfall
The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to address the issue of crude oil theft in the country by ordering a comprehensive investigation into the activities of security forces and organized groups employing sophisticated techniques for the illicit stealing of crude oil.
This move came in response to a motion presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senator Ned Nwoko of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Delta North. Senator Nwoko highlighted the alarming impact of pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, citing a staggering revenue shortfall of N2.3 trillion for the country this year.
Senator Nwoko pointed out that certain individuals within the security apparatus have collaborated with unscrupulous elements in the oil industry, undermining the Joint Task Force’s concerted efforts. The Joint Task Force consists of the Nigerian military and various security agencies, and it has been working diligently to combat this menace.
Nwoko emphasized the positive outcomes achieved through these collaborative efforts, with oil production reaching 1.51 million barrels per day in the first quarter of 2023—an improvement from 1.49 million barrels per day in the same quarter of 2022. He expressed concerns, however, that some individuals within security institutions engage in illicit activities.
He stated, “These individuals collaborate with unscrupulous figures within the oil industry to undermine the nation’s economy.”
Senator Nwoko further highlighted the sophisticated methods employed by these groups to steal oil from facilities across Nigeria, despite the country’s substantial oil and gas reserves. He called for a holistic investigation into the activities of oil thieves and their collaborators within the security forces.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, Oyo State, called for punitive measures to combat oil bunkering, emphasizing the need to review laws and take strong actions against oil thieves.
Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of the APC, Edo State, pointed out that oil theft is an organized crime involving both the bunkers and security operatives. He noted that this explains why many security agents seek postings to oil-producing communities.
In response to the pressing issue, the Senate instructed its committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas), host communities, and Niger Delta Affairs to conduct a thorough inquiry into the activities of security forces, militia groups, local residents, oil company personnel, and any entities suspected of employing advanced methods for illicitly obtaining resources from oil facilities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern about the negative impact of oil theft on Nigeria’s oil production capacity, despite its growing population. The Senate’s commitment to addressing this issue underscores its determination to safeguard the nation’s vital resources and revenue streams.