The member representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, has called for urgent investigation into the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The senator in a motion at the plenary said, “The move towards safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline, as well as securing what is rightfully due to her people”
The lawmaker stressed that his senatorial district comprises nine local government areas, with five of them serving as vital pillars of the nation’s crude oil and gas production, having given their all, making significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
The lawmaker, however, noted that even given their all to the nation’s economic; “the stark reality is that the majority of them in these areas still grapple with abject poverty.
He added that, “Their villages lack basic amenities like clean water, electricity, healthcare services, low cost housing, social services, and among others
He continued, “They face the harsh reality of underdevelopment. No employment either! All while their resources fuel the nation’s economy. He noted that the situation is a heartbreaking paradox that cannot be ignored any longer”.
Senator Nwoko urged the Senate to establish an Ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the activities of various parties involved in crude oil theft, including security forces, militia organizations, local populations, oil company employees, and individuals or groups utilizing sophisticated methods to steal from oil facilities within the country.
He also urged the Federal and State governments to create conflict resolution mechanisms involving International Oil Companies (IOCs), host communities, and security agencies to address the root causes of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Senator Nwoko further recommended that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) collaborate with host communities, local governments, state governments, IOCs, and security agencies to protect oil pipeline infrastructure, with the involvement of private security instead of a select few elites.
He suggested deploying modern technologies like aerial drones to enhance the security of oil and gas facilities, thereby curbing oil theft and safeguarding the country’s revenue. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated Special Court to handle cases related to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated criminal offenses.
