Lawmakers direct security agents to stop destruction of Oil Vessels

Worried by the frequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil by security agents, the Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the security agencies of the Federal Government to desist from such acts.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by a member from Delta state Mr Thomas Ereyitomi, at plenary.

The lawmaker said this is with a view to Curbing Environmental Pollution in the Niger Delta Region.

Mr Ereyitomi observed that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration

“The House notes the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday 7thJuly, 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“Also notes that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil. Further notes that the said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11hJuly, 2023.

“Aware that in October 2022, a vessel named MTDEIMA which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river.”

Adopting the motion, resolved to set up a committee to investigate the reasons behind the destruction of the oil laden vessels by the security agents.

The house also mandated the Committees on Environment and Climate Change (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

PIAK