Senator Ned Nwoko, chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, has called for Nigeria to establish comprehensive technological systems to combat oil theft nationwide, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko highlighted how oil theft in the Niger Delta has created lasting challenges for Nigeria, causing significant financial losses, environmental harm, and security concerns.
The senator emphasised that, given Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum revenue for budgetary support and national development, protecting these critical resources requires urgent attention and decisive action to restore control over the country’s oil infrastructure.
Nwoko proposed implementing artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems, including aerial surveillance and data analysis tools, to oversee pipeline networks and oil facilities. He also stressed the importance of enhancing regional security measures, explaining that criminal activities flourish in unstable environments.
“Parallel investment in regional peace and stability is crucial. The host communities must be incorporated into the system, thereby giving them a sense of belonging in the oil and gas sector by engaging them in meaningful infrastructural development.
”There is also a need for collaboration with tech firms. We must actively engage global and local tech companies with proven capacity to deliver real-time monitoring and risk detection.
”Institutional commitment is also needed to curb crude oil theft. NNPCL and other stakeholders must be held accountable. Monitoring should not just be technological; it must include institutional transparency.
”Adopting Saudi Arabia’s corporate social responsibility model in collaborating with oil and gas host communities will also go a long way in tackling crude oil theft.”
”Nigeria adopts these strategies and embraces AI-driven innovation, we can reclaim control of our oil assets, meet our OPEC quota, and catalyse real economic development,” the lawmaker said.
The committee chairman stated that Nigeria can no longer ignore the root causes of, and available solutions to, these challenges.
“It’s time to stop looking away. We must be intentional, patriotic, and honest. We must emulate nations whose progress is not mythical but practical. Let us do what is right for Nigeria, for now and for the future.
”The NNPCL and the various international and national oil companies (IOCs and NOCs) operating in the sector must act decisively. Under the supervision of patriotic leadership, they must adopt advanced technological systems to protect our oil infrastructure and deter sabotage.”
The senator referenced statements made in 2022 by former NNPCL Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, who had promised efforts to implement systems similar to Saudi Aramco’s approach for addressing oil theft and infrastructure damage.
He recalled that Kyari had acknowledged that Nigeria’s systems lagged behind Aramco’s capabilities but expressed intentions to achieve comparable technological advancement.
”Sadly, we are still far from that benchmark. As a nation, we must summon the courage to call a spade a spade. We cannot continue with half-measures. Every meaningful step that can rescue this country from the stranglehold of economic sabotage must be taken without delay.
”To move forward, we must learn from countries that have gotten it right. How did developed nations build systems that effectively secure their oil and gas infrastructure? What strategies and technologies do they use?” he added.
