– Proposes digital surveillance, enhanced security measures
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has called for stringent legal action against oil thieves, describing crude oil theft as a direct attack on Nigeria’s economic survival.
The Administrator issued the stern warning during a high-profile meeting with the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, led by Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized that lax prosecution of offenders has emboldened large-scale oil theft, depriving Nigeria of critical revenue needed to fund development projects.
“Crude oil theft undermines President Bola Tinubu’s reforms to revive oil production and stabilize the economy,” he stated. “Your committee’s work is pivotal in dismantling this criminal enterprise.”
He commended the Senate’s efforts to investigate theft across oil-producing states and terminals, expressing optimism that their findings would reinforce Nigeria’s economic security.
The Administrator outlined Rivers State’s multi-layered approach to curbing pipeline vandalism, including:
– Enhanced intelligence-sharing among security agencies.
– Community engagement with traditional rulers to deter local involvement.
– Digital surveillance systems to monitor oil installations and expand Port Harcourt’s “Safe-City” security network.
“As a major oil hub, we are investing in technology-driven solutions to protect critical assets and boost production,” Ibas said.
To combat oil theft nationwide, the Administrator proposed:
– Deterrent Prosecution: Ensure convicted oil thieves face severe penalties.
– Tamper-Proof Metering: Fix faulty metering systems responsible for 40% of losses.
– Increased Naval Funding: Strengthen the Nigerian Navy and maritime security.
– Global Surveillance Expansion: Monitor backwaters and international waters where large-scale theft occurs.
Senator Ned Nwoko affirmed the Committee’s commitment to exposing and dismantling theft syndicates operating onshore and offshore.
“Rivers State’s cooperation is vital. We must target high-profile thieves smuggling crude through international waters,” he said.
The Committee, inaugurated three months ago, will present actionable recommendations to the National Assembly to sanitize the oil sector.
Vice Admiral Ibas reiterated Rivers State’s readiness to work with federal agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s oil wealth and restore its revenue potential.
