By Austin Oyibode
ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North and Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, has called for a public hearing on the persistent issue of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta, home to Nigeria’s vast oil reserves, has long suffered from environmental degradation and socio-economic hardships. Crude oil theft, reportedly orchestrated by well-organized criminal syndicates, remains a critical challenge to Nigeria’s economy and the sustainability of the oil-rich region.
In his call for a public hearing, Senator Nwoko underscored the scale and impact of crude oil theft, a problem that has plagued the country for decades without a sustainable solution. Beyond highlighting the issue, he aims to facilitate discussions that will yield lasting solutions to the menace.
As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil as a primary revenue source. However, oil-related corruption and illicit activities have continuously undermined national development. Oil theft, commonly referred to as “bunkering,” involves the illegal siphoning of crude oil from pipelines and facilities. Stolen crude is then sold on the black market or smuggled abroad, depriving the government and citizens of substantial revenue.
Senator Nwoko’s call for a public hearing stems from concerns about the devastating effects of oil theft on the Niger Delta’s environment, its people, and, most significantly, the national economy. The illegal tapping of pipelines has led to catastrophic environmental damage, including oil spills that have destroyed farmlands, contaminated freshwater sources, and caused severe biodiversity loss.
The people of the Niger Delta have long borne the brunt of this environmental crisis, with little to show for the wealth extracted from their land. While the Nigerian government has made efforts to combat oil theft, Nwoko emphasized the need for a more structured, transparent, and inclusive approach.
He stressed that the public hearing would serve as a crucial platform for government agencies, security forces, oil companies, and local communities to engage in discussions on the root causes of oil theft and explore viable solutions. Without a comprehensive understanding of the problem, he argued, any effort to tackle it would remain inadequate.
A key concern raised by Nwoko is the role of security forces in the region. Despite their significant presence, oil theft continues to thrive, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement. The senator pointed out that the entrenched nature of oil theft syndicates, along with their connections to powerful individuals, has made it difficult for security agencies to contain the crisis.
He also called on oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their assets. A public hearing, he argued, could hold these companies accountable and push them to invest in better infrastructure, such as secure pipelines, while fostering collaboration with local communities for long-term solutions.
Beyond addressing the economic and environmental damage caused by oil theft, Nwoko’s call for a public hearing is also a demand for greater political accountability. He insists that the Nigerian government must take a more active role in protecting the nation’s oil resources and ensuring that the benefits of oil production are equitably distributed.
He believes that the hearing presents an opportunity for lawmakers to engage directly with Niger Delta communities and Nigerians at large to better understand their concerns. However, he acknowledged that such an initiative would face resistance from those benefiting from the status quo, including criminal syndicates and corrupt officials.
Nevertheless, Nwoko’s call for transparency and open dialogue is a significant step in the right direction. He maintains that the fight against oil theft cannot be won through secrecy or fragmented efforts but requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
The senator further emphasized that crude oil theft has exacerbated Nigeria’s economic challenges. He asserted that by addressing this issue, the government could enhance security, improve governance, and ensure that the country’s oil wealth serves all Nigerians rather than a select few.
Senator Ned Nwoko’s advocacy for a public hearing on crude oil theft is a timely intervention in the struggle to resolve one of Nigeria’s most pressing economic and security concerns. His efforts highlight the need for greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration in tackling oil theft.
The public hearing is scheduled to take place on April 28th and 29th, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. This event represents a crucial step toward addressing the persistent and damaging effects of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and beyond.
Key institutions and agencies have been invited to participate in the hearing and submit memoranda to aid the committee’s work. These include government agencies such as the NNPCL, CBN, NUPRC, NIMASA, NPA, and the Nigeria Customs Service. Security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, DSS, NSCDC, and the Nigerian Police, are also expected to be present.
Other stakeholders invited include industry players such as NEITI, OPTS, IPPG, IOCs, OML operators, as well as shipping lines, crude oil lifters, commercial banks, security firms, oil-producing states, and host communities. Members of the public are also encouraged to contribute to the discussion, ensuring that the hearing reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives.
