Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has emphasized the need for stringent legal action against oil thieves, citing their devastating impact on Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.
Hosting the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas called for stronger prosecution frameworks to deter criminal networks sabotaging national revenue.
According to a statement by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas described the current punishment for offenders as too lenient, saying it emboldens further criminal activity.
“Your presence here is both significant and timely. Crude oil theft strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s economic survival, undermining President Bola Tinubu’s reforms to boost oil production and fund national infrastructure,” Ibas stated.
He applauded the committee’s efforts to investigate the extent of crude oil theft across states and terminals, expressing optimism that their findings would fortify Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Highlighting progress in Rivers State, Ibas cited ongoing efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
“As a major oil-producing state, we are committed to eliminating threats to production. Our goal is a secure, tech-driven monitoring framework to safeguard assets and boost output,” he said.
“Strict prosecution of offenders will ensure convicted oil thieves face deterrent penalties,” he added.
Responding, Senator Ned Nwoko reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to tracing and dismantling theft operations.
“We need Rivers State’s support to end this menace. Big-time thieves operate in international waters, and we must collaborate to secure Nigeria’s resources,” Nwoko said.
