Stiffer penalties await oil theft, terrorism perpetrators – Senate

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday vowed to introduce stiffer penalties for perpetrators of oil theft and terrorism activities in Nigeria.

Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, stated that the National Assembly cannot fold its hands watching economic sabotage and non-state actors carrying out heinous crimes against the country.

He said the legislature would consider stiffer penalties for crude oil theft, including terrorism charges for major offenders.

Senator Akpabio disclosed this while declaring open a two-day public hearing on the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and the actors at the Senate wing of the National Assembly.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau representing Akpabio said, the parliament cannot watch, while the nation bleeds.

“We are prepared to strengthen laws, enhance oversight, and ensure that agencies responsible for protecting our oil assets are held accountable.

We will consider: Stiffer penalties for oil theft, including terrorism charges for major offenders.

“Mandatory digital metering and real-time monitoring of all oil production and exports. Greater transparency in crude oil lifting and revenue reporting.

“Enhanced collaboration between the military, police, NSCDC, EFCC, and international partners to track and intercept stolen crude,” he said.