Senate Raises Alarm: Oil Theft Now a Threat to Nigeria’s Sovereignty!

Published May 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM

The Senate has pledged to safeguard Nigeria’s crude-oil resources from sabotage and large-scale theft.

Senator Ned Nwoko, chair of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Oil Theft, gave the assurance during an oversight visit to Rivers State focused on curbing illegal bunkering and protecting national revenue.

Accompanied by committee members, Nwoko met with Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.) and the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah. He praised state officials and the military for their efforts to shield oil installations.

“Oil theft drains billions of dollars each year—money that should fund education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth programmes,” Nwoko said in a statement on Saturday. He stressed that crude pilfering is “not just an economic crime but a direct threat to national sovereignty.”

The Delta North senator added that the National Assembly will provide every legislative tool necessary to defend the country’s primary revenue source, combining field inspections, policy reviews, and stakeholder consultations.

“We must tackle this menace with a united front—leveraging strong institutions, vigilant security forces, community cooperation, and decisive leadership,” he noted. “The Senate will ensure all custodians of our national wealth are held accountable and fully supported.”

Nwoko concluded with a rallying call: “Let us stand together to protect Nigeria’s wealth, security, and future.”