The House of Representatives has cautioned the security agencies of the Federal Government against further setting ablaze vessels laden with stolen crude oil.
The House on Tuesday also mandated the Committee on Environment (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
The House’s resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled: “Need to Discourage the Destruction of Vessels Laden with Stolen Crude Oil with a view to
Curbing Environmental Pollution in the Niger Delta Region,” brought by
Thomas Ereyitomi from Delta State.
Eryitomi noted the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday 7th July, 2023 in the Escravos River in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
He stated that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and
destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil
According to him, “The the vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on July 11, 2023.
Recall that in October 2022, a vessel named MT DEIMA, which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri Escravos River.
The lawmaker explained that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well-endowed
ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration.
He lamented that if this act is
allowed to continue, it will further affect the livelihood and the overall wellbeing of the Niger Delta people who have fishing as their main occupation.
The noted the determination of the Federal Government to curb oil spill in the Niger Delta region and better the living condition of the people.
