Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has described crude oil theft as a national emergency that must be urgently addressed through coordinated action and transparent investigation.
Speaking in Abuja after a public hearing held on Thursday, Senator Nwoko warned that the scale of oil theft in Nigeria threatens not only the economy but also national security and long-term development.
“When I moved the motion that gave rise to this Committee, it was clear to me that this was not just about stolen barrels—it’s about stolen futures,” he said. “Nigeria is bleeding resources daily, and our people are paying the price.”
The hearing, convened at the National Assembly, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), security agencies, regulatory bodies, host communities, and industry experts.
Senator Nwoko noted that crude oil theft in Nigeria has evolved into a highly organized and dangerous criminal enterprise that undermines government revenue, devastates the environment, and impoverishes oil-producing communities.
“The scale of oil theft in Nigeria is not only shameful—it is dangerous,” he said. “It cripples our economy, devalues our currency, destroys the environment, and deepens poverty in communities that should be benefiting from the wealth beneath their feet.”
While disclosing that technical and forensic investigations are ongoing—including efforts to trace stolen crude and follow the illicit funds across international banking systems—Senator Nwoko said the public hearing was aimed at ensuring transparency and public engagement.
“This Committee is not here to trade blames or make excuses,” he said. “We are here to dismantle a criminal economy, restore sanity to the oil and gas sector, and protect what belongs to the Nigerian people.”
He added that the Committee would put forward actionable recommendations, including institutional reforms, stricter enforcement, enhanced surveillance, and equitable inclusion of host communities in resource distribution.
Senator Nwoko concluded with a firm commitment:
“We are listening. We are acting. And we will not stop until this tide is turned.”
