"Senate Cracks Down on Oil Theft: Adhoc Committee Inaugurates Surveillance Team"
The inaugural meeting of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, chaired by the distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, was held at the National Assembly, drawing key stakeholders from the Niger Delta region. The meeting was convened to tackle the persistent issue of crude oil theft, a major economic sabotage affecting the nation's revenue.
Following a closed-door session, the committee proceeded to admit major stakeholders with deep knowledge of crude oil theft and the capacity to collaborate effectively with the committee in addressing this pressing challenge. A rigorous screening process was undertaken to identify suitable individuals to serve as consultants and state representatives in the committee’s effort to curb crude oil theft. The screening exercise, which was thorough, had all the Senators from the oil-producing states who, individually having profound knowledge of the challenge, engaged their state representative nominees to ascertain the clear strategic plan they are bringing to work with the committee to checkmate the massive losses and how they intend to partner with other agencies. The nominees, who suggested a team approach and to be collectively called the "Senate Surveillance Team on Crude Oil Theft," variously threw light on strategies for local onshore and offshore oversight as well as the use of a covert intelligence approach. In addition to partnering with security agencies and liaising with international bodies, multinationals, and all agencies in the sector, a robust plan is already envisioned for a well-thought-out oversight to partner with the executive surveillance consultants already on the field and carry out the Senate’s overall oversight function.
Upon completion of the screening exercise, the committee, being satisfied with the outcome, moved for the appointment of the selected individuals as Consultants and State Representatives. The motion was seconded and thereafter approved. The appointees will be officially presented with their letters of appointment and introduced to the press, after which they are expected to hit the ground running in the discharge of this critical national assignment.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, emphasized the committee’s commitment to exploring legal pathways to incorporate artisanal miners into the mainstream oil market. He noted that the real economic leakages were caused by high-level saboteurs and international trade networks that facilitate the sale of stolen crude. Addressing this root cause, he asserted, would be pivotal in effectively tackling the menace of crude oil theft.
It will be recalled that the Senate President announced the set-up of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft in the chambers with Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko as Chairman. Other members include
Senator Benson Agadaga Sunday
Bayelsa East Senatorial District
Sen. Alwell H. Onyesoh
Rivers East Senatorial District
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams
Cross River Central Senatorial District
Sen. Engr Patrick C Ndubueze
Imo North Senatorial District
Sen. Augustine
Akobundu
Abia Central Senatorial District
Following these deliberations, the committee adjourned for the day, with a firm resolve to take decisive actions in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil resources.
Hon. Gloria Okolugbo
Director Communications & Committee
Consultant.
Office of the Distinguished Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial Zone and Chairman Adhoc commitee on Crude oil Theft.
