Ned Nwoko to tackle oil theft, renders support for local refiners
Ned Nwoko
Ned Nwoko to tackle oil theft, renders support for local refiners
Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), has assured that his committee will develop lasting solutions to address oil theft while supporting skilled local refiners. He emphasized that the Senate’s approach would be inclusive and solution-driven rather than punitive.
Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline-Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCONYCN), led by National President Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, Nwoko outlined a strategic plan to curb oil theft, protect host communities, and integrate local refiners into Nigeria’s formal economy.
According to him, similar models have been successfully implemented in other countries to stimulate local economies and curb illegal refining.
“The government needs to provide crude oil for these refineries and ensure that young men and women involved are brought into the formal economy. If we can do that, we can prevent them from damaging pipelines and the environment while also avoiding unnecessary clashes with security forces,” he stated.
Nwoko also revealed plans to engage international experts to track stolen crude shipments and recover funds linked to illicit transactions. The committee is set to hold a public hearing involving key stakeholders, including security agencies, oil regulators, and host communities, to address systemic issues enabling oil theft.
To combat large-scale crude oil theft, Nwoko noted: “We now have the capacity to track every movement of crude, whether in New York, Marbella, or anywhere else. Our goal is to recover stolen funds and put an end to these illegal operations.”
A key highlight of his proposal is the establishment of small, government-backed refineries near abandoned oil wells. These refineries, smaller than modular refineries, would be legally operated to create jobs for youths and reduce crude oil theft.
The HOSTCON Youth Council of Nigeria’s visit was aimed at strengthening engagement between host communities and legislative efforts. Nwoko emphasized that increased oil production would lead to better compensation and economic benefits for host communities.
“Our objective is not to go after those refining crude oil in makeshift setups but to create opportunities for them. In many countries, governments support small-scale refining operations. If we establish similar structures, we can employ young people, reduce pipeline vandalism, and protect the environment,” he added.
Nwoko raised concerns over corruption within enforcement agencies and announced plans to establish an independent task force that will work alongside the military, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
“We will not rely solely on existing task forces because we know that many of them have been compromised. Instead, we are assembling a dedicated team to collaborate with security forces in protecting Nigeria’s oil resources,” he said.
In the coming weeks, the Senate committee will hold a public hearing involving key stakeholders, including: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Oil companies, Regulatory agencies, Security agencies and Host communities.
“We will ask all stakeholders to provide information and defend their claims. This is not just another routine investigation—this is a serious process, and everyone must come clean,” Nwoko stressed.
Nwoko emphasized that the success of these initiatives depends on cooperation from all stakeholders. He urged community members to share critical intelligence on oil theft operations.
“We need your support. We have already appointed some consultants, and we hope that some of you will officially join them. You are from these communities—you know where it hurts. Your input is invaluable,” he said.
During the meeting, Comrade Fiawei congratulated Senator Nwoko on his appointment, highlighting his legal expertise, deep understanding of the Niger Delta, and commitment to national development. He assured the Senator of HOSTCON’s full support in tackling crude oil theft, which has significantly impacted the nation’s economy and host communities.
In recognition of Nwoko’s efforts, HOSTCON Youth Council conferred upon him the title of Patron of the Council and honored him with the ‘Credence of Honour’ award, the highest recognition by HOSTCON Youth Council, for his advocacy and contributions to oil-producing communities.
In response, Senator Nwoko expressed gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing crude oil theft.
“If host communities are not protected and provided for, then this entire process is meaningless. We will work to ensure fairness and prevent the exploitation of the people,” he assured.
The visit marked a significant step towards stronger collaboration between the government and host communities in tackling oil theft and ensuring equitable development in the Niger Delta and other impacted regions.
