The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive step towards addressing the rampant issue of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. On Tuesday, during plenary, the Senate adopted a motion titled “Urgent Need to Investigate the Incessant and Nefarious Acts of Crude Oil Thefts in the Niger Delta and the Actors.” The motion was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North) and co-sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone Omueya (APC, Delta Central) and Senator Joel Onowakpa Thomas (APC, Delta South).
The incessant crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta have had a detrimental impact on the nation’s economy. In response, the Senate has directed its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream), Gas, Host Communities, and Niger Delta to commence a comprehensive investigation into the sophisticated methods employed by these oil thieves.
During the lead debate, Senator Nwoko emphasized the vital role that crude oil plays in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian citizens. He cited statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics, which revealed that the oil sector contributed 6.33% of the nation’s GDP in 2022, amounting to $45.6 billion.
Oil theft in Nigeria has a long history, dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has caused socio-economic crises and remains a significant challenge for the oil-dependent Nigerian economy. Despite collaborative efforts between the Joint Task Force, operations like Operation Delta Safe and Operation Dakartada Barawo, various security entities, state and local governments, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta region, more needs to be done to combat this unlawful behavior.
According to Senator Nwoko, the cooperation of security personnel and employees of oil corporations has made oil theft easier and defeated previous attempts to curb it. He highlighted the troubling collaboration between security forces, militia groups, the local population, and certain employees within oil companies, who employ sophisticated methods to pilfer from oil facilities within the country. The scale of this theft is alarming, with Nigeria reportedly suffering daily losses of approximately 437,000 barrels of crude oil, amounting to a value of $23 million. Between March 2023, Nigeria has incurred a substantial loss of 65.7 million barrels of crude oil, valued at $83 per barrel, resulting in a staggering revenue loss of N2.3 trillion.
In response to these revelations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for specific security agencies, such as the Chief of Naval Staff, Army Staff, and Air Staff, to be summoned for interrogation and for further actions to be taken to curb these organized thefts.
The Senate has mandated its committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Gas Host Communities, and Niger Delta to launch a thorough investigation into the actions of security forces, militia groups, the local populace, and oil company employees suspected of engaging in oil theft. The committee is expected to deliver its report within six weeks for further legislative actions.
This Senate probe signals a crucial step towards addressing the issue of crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta, reasserting Nigeria’s commitment to securing its valuable resources, safeguarding its economy, and fostering sustainable development in the region.
