Oil theft: House of Representatives to investigate the destruction of illegal vessel

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the circumstances and reason for the destruction of  the illegal oil bunkering vessel by security operatives instead of preserving it for evidentiary use in the prosecution of the matter.

The resolution followed a Matter Of Urgent National Importance on the “Urgent Need to Investigate the Circumstances of the Setting Ablaze of Oil Vessels Allegedly Involved in Oil Theft by Security Operatives, moved by Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke.

The House is disturbed about the reported destruction of the said vessel by security operatives instead of preserving same as evidence for prosecution purposes.

He said ” Notes that oil theft is a problem that has existed for a long time in the Niger Delta and has caused serious environmental degradation of the region and has negatively impacted on the revenue generation of Nigeria, causing the country to lose 470, 000 barrels per day amounting to 700 Million Dollars monthly, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; As well notes that there has been several new reports that high-powered technology is applied in the stealing of crude oil (particularly at Forcados line) and transported through a four-kilometre pipeline to a platform in the sea with as much as 200 barrels of crude oil reported to have been stolen every day from the location since 2014″ Hon Luke said.

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He however appreciated the responsiveness of the private security firm (Tantita Security Services) in curbing oil theft which led to apprehending an illegal oil bunkering vessel and handing the same to security agencies.

Contributing to the urgent matter, members described the action as Arson.

They also called for the diversification of the Nigerian economy so aa not to solely depend on oil.

The lawmakers also insisted that no vessel comes in to or out of Nigeria without the knowledge of security agencies, hence the need for thourough investigation.

Hauwa Abu