Era of Crude Oil Theft Over, Harsh Punishment Awaits Culprits - Doguwa

The National Assembly's Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft has issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal activity, decla...

The National Assembly's Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft has issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal activity, declaring that the era of oil theft is over and that anyone found culpable will face severe consequences under the law.

In a statement made available to journalists, the Chairman of the Special Committee, Alhaji Ado Alhassan Doguwa, emphasized, "We cannot continue to allow our Tinubu/APC-led government to spiral into global borrowing due to leakages in the oil and gas production sector."

Doguwa noted that the prevalence of oil theft is largely driven by youth restiveness and the unacceptable vandalization of critical infrastructure by criminals in the creeks, adding, "This must stop."

He revealed that the Committee was mandated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to investigate and identify the underlying causes of the economic challenges within the nation's oil and gas sector.

"The Committee is determined to do whatever it takes to protect the Tinubu administration from these unfortunate incidents in the oil-producing areas. We will ensure that those responsible, along with their political accomplices, are brought to justice."

Doguwa further warned that the devastating impact of these criminal activities on the economy is intolerable. "President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing prosperity and economic well-being to our people is non-negotiable," he asserted.

He also highlighted that the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly, spearheaded by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is designed to support the government's efforts to fulfill its promises to the people of Nigeria.

"We cannot afford to let the Tinubu/APC-led government be bogged down by global borrowing due to the persistent leakages in the oil and gas sector, primarily caused by youth unrest and the reckless destruction of vital infrastructure by vandals and criminals," Doguwa concluded.