…sets up surveillance team
The Senate ad-hoc committee on oil theft, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta North) has visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, where it called for partnership with the military to curb the menace.
This is even as the panel has set up and inaugurated a surveillance team for overt and covert oversight oil facilities and institutions.
During the visit according to a statement by Director Communications to Nwoko, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, in Abuja, the committee called for reinforcement of intelligence-sharing mechanisms, surveillance operations and fostering of seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft.
The statement reads in part: “This critical meeting was a convergence of minds, dedicated to addressing one of the most persistent threats to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
“The discussions were centred on reinforcing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, strengthening surveillance operations, and fostering seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft.
“This illicit activity continues to bleed the nation’s economy of billions, erode investor confidence, and stall developmental strides.
“The committee remains unwavering in its resolve to implement watertight policies, deploy cutting-edge security technology, and ensure that those who undermine our national wealth are held accountable.
“Anchored firmly within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this engagement underscores the urgency of securing Nigeria’s natural resources to drive sustainable economic growth.
“The task at hand transcends revenue protection – it is about securing the future, bolstering economic resilience, and creating an environment conducive to national progress.
“Senator Nwoko, in his characteristic commitment to national service, lauded the tenacity of his fellow committee members and acknowledged the critical role of the CDS and his team in safeguarding the nation’s oil assets.
“Their efforts remain indispensable in the overarching strategy to combat this economic sabotage.
“The fight against crude oil theft is not a solitary battle – it is a collective responsibility that demands synergy, vigilance, and decisive action.
“As the Senate Committee deepens its oversight, refines its legislative approach, and collaborates with key stakeholders, the ultimate goal remains clear: to restore transparency, protect Nigeria’s economic backbone, and ensure that our natural wealth truly serves its purpose in advancing national prosperity.
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“With steadfast commitment, the Committee will continue to drive reforms, enforce accountability, and champion policies that will secure Nigeria’s resources for generations to come.
The committee members, all present at this strategic partnership meeting include Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Senator Eteng Williams (Cross River Central), Sen. Engr Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North), Sen. Augustine Akobundu (Abia Central), Sen. Alwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), Sen. Benson Sunday (Bayelsa East), Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South).
Meanwhile, the Senate Adhoc Committee on oil theft has set up a surveillance team in Niger Delta communities aimed at monitoring oil facilities to curb vandalism and theft.
The statement reads further: “The inaugural meeting of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, chaired by the Senator Ned 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 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.”