The Chairman of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, has called for the overhaul of the county’s surveillance and security measures.
Speaking when he visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja at the weekend, he expressed concern over the recurring incidence of oil theft in the country.
The lawmaker spoke against the backdrop of the alleged involvement of a vessel MT Kali, laden with over 200,000 liters of illicitly acquired crude oil.
Reiterating the resolve of his committee to nip the menace in the bud, he sought the support and cooperation of the Chief of Defence Staff to facilitate this critical mission.
He lauded the prompt and decisive action taken by the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate an in-depth investigation into this case.
Ado-Doguwa said this proactive response is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to confronting and eradicating the problem from the nation.
He said, “Our Committee, instituted by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., on the 22nd of November, is entrusted with the thorough investigation of the intricate web of oil theft and losses within our nation’s oil and gas sector.
“This task extends to scrutinizing the involvement of various elements, ranging from illicit entities and local communities to corporate employees and security forces.
“Our immediate plan includes an investigative visit to the site of this incident in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the Delta state location where the vessel is secured.
“In this regard, we earnestly seek the support and cooperation of the Chief of Defence Staff to facilitate this critical mission.
“We laud the prompt and decisive action taken by the Chief of Defence Staff on the 17th of January 2024, directing the Chief of Defence Intelligence to initiate an in-depth investigation into this case.
“This proactive response is a testament to President Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to confronting and eradicating this plague from our nation.
“However, the emergence of this theft has raised several alarming questions. The journey of MT Kali, spanning from Lagos to Bayelsa, and its ability to operate undetected on Nigerian waters for such an extended period despite our advanced surveillance systems, namely the Navy’s Falcon Eye and NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, is deeply concerning.
“The security risks and implications of such an incident cannot be overstated. This scenario points to the urgent need for a comprehensive review and overhaul of our surveillance and security measures. It also underscores the importance of unraveling the intricate networks involved in these illicit activities, which seem to include international collaborations.
“As we embark on this vital mission, guided by sections 62, 88, and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, we call upon the Chief of Defence Staff, all security and law enforcement agencies, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, and every patriotic Nigerian to join hands with us. Your support and collaboration are indispensable in our quest to bring an end to this menace.
“In conclusion, let us remember that we are one Federal Government, with three arms working in harmony to ensure the welfare and security of our people. This challenge requires a united front, and I am confident that together, we can decisively tackle and resolve this issue for the greater good of Nigeria.”
