The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has emphasized the need for effective prosecution of oil thieves to combat the rampant economic sabotage plaguing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Ibas made this call while meeting with the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, led by Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to Ibas’ media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, weak punishments for oil thieves only encourage more criminal activity, depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for development. “Crude oil theft is a direct attack on Nigeria’s economic survival,”
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Igbikiowubo stressed. “It undermines President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost oil production and fund national infrastructure.”
Ibas commended the Senate Committee’s initiative to investigate oil theft across producing states and terminals, expressing confidence that its recommendations would help strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundation.
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He highlighted Rivers State’s progress in reducing pipeline vandalism through improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination.
The Administrator emphasized the need for strict prosecution of oil thieves, ensuring that convicted individuals face deterrent penalties. “Our goal is to create a secure, tech-driven monitoring framework to safeguard our assets and boost output,” he stated.
Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee, affirmed the committee’s determination to identify and dismantle oil theft networks, both onshore and offshore. “We need the support of Rivers State to put an end to this menace,” he said. “Big-time thieves operate in international waters, and we must work together to secure Nigeria’s resources.”
