ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives ad hoc committee, mandated to probe crude oil theft and revenue loss from the gas sector, has declared its commitment to unmasking those involved in oil theft activities.
The statement was made by Rep. Kabiru Rurum, the chairman of the committee, in a conversation with journalists on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
The committee’s investigative hearing is scheduled for September 7, and Rurum clarified that their work aims to achieve more than previous investigations into the same issue.
He emphasized that the oil and gas sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economy, and the growing problem of oil theft necessitates immediate action.
“The purpose of the committee is to reveal who is behind what is happening in the area of crude oil theft,” said Rurum.
He asserted that merely blaming security agencies is insufficient; stakeholders, including oil companies like Chevron and Shell and local communities, should be held accountable for their roles.
In addition to identifying culprits, Rurum stated that the committee’s objective includes soliciting suggestions from all stakeholders on how to minimize or eliminate oil theft.
The Nigerian Navy, Airforce, Civil Defence, and Police Intelligence Agency have been invited to participate in the investigation, along with the Norwegian Embassy, which has previously offered to assist Nigeria in combating oil theft.
The committee’s formation followed a motion by Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) on the necessity to probe oil theft and revenue losses in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The House responded by creating this ad hoc committee with the mandate to investigate and hold accountable everyone involved in such activities thoroughly.
Rurum assured that their recommendations would be decisive and would work in synergy with the National Security Adviser.
“The government knows that there are serious challenges in the sector, and this investigation is aimed at resolving them,” he concluded.
The announcement comes when the Nigerian economy is reeling from the impacts of oil theft, often amounting to millions of dollars lost annually.
This initiative by the House of Representatives is seen as a step in the right direction to curb the menace and ensure that culprits are brought to justice.
