Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Special Investigative Panel on Oil Theft/Losses in Nigeria has identified the existence of several layers of involvement in the illegal theft of crude oil despite the best efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to combat the activities of the oil thieves.
This is part of the report the Panel submitted to the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, on Monday in Abuja.
The NSA inaugurated the investigative panel on December 6, 2022, and gave them 10 weeks to complete the assignment with extensive terms of reference to investigate all aspects of crude oil theft/losses in all its ramifications.
A statement signed by Mr Zakari Usman, Head, Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), said the SIP also identified lack of proper reporting of crude oil production; illegal refining; theft from wellheads; and diversion from sophisticated pipelines network as some of the reasons Nigeria is losing crude oil to criminals
The statement made available to journalists on Tuesday also attributed losses to the absence of a robust industry-wide metering system; and an unworkable security arrangement. The confusing roles of regulatory agencies was also cited as being responsible for making the detection of theft/losses difficult.
The statement from the ONSA said the panel engaged key stakeholders both within and outside the oil and gas industry, including state governments; ministries, departments and agencies; security agencies; regulatory agencies; international and indigenous oil companies; traditional institutions; host communities; artisanal refiners; among others.
The statement also read that, in discharging the responsibility of the panel, it received and reviewed several memoranda and reports on oil theft and losses.
It said “the chairman of the investigative panel, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, called for quick implementation of the report and asserted that if the government implements the recommendations in the report, oil theft/losses would be adequately addressed. He also said prompt implementation of the report would not only create an immediate impact on crude oil production levels to meet OPEC’s quota but would also attract foreign direct investment and serve Nigeria’s economic and national security concerns.
Meanwhile, the NSA Monguno has commended the panel for keeping to the timeframe and for addressing the issues of oil theft and losses comprehensively. He assured that government would study the report and see to its immediate implementation, especially the recommendations with short-term perspectives.
