Oil & Gas
Nigeria Loses $300bn to Crude Oil Theft – Senate
By Our Correspondent
Disturbed by the alarming rate of revenue loss to crude oil,Senate Committee investigating repeated sabotage of oil installations, and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region on Wednesday revealed reasons for a humongous loss in $300 billion revenue from 2015 to date.
The 23-man committee headed by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC-Delta) identified systemic irregularities, poor measurement standards and weak enforcement in the oil and gas sector resulting in unaccounted crude oil sales.
Presenting its interim report to the Committee of the Whole, the adhoc panel which is tasked with investigating the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil theft and related sabotage in the region, said its submissions stems from oral submissions made by stakeholders, documents, records and findings from the general public.
He said the 40-page interim report recommends several measures to tackle crude oil theft, strengthen accountability, and recover lost revenues, adding that the committee, after extensive assessment, recommended that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should strictly enforce internationally accepted crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals.
The report further urged the Federal Government to equip security agencies with modern surveillance technology.
“Including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to combat oil theft as well as to establish a Maritime Trust Fund to enhance maritime infrastructure and safety”.
Other recommendations include the establishment of special courts to prosecute crude oil thieves, full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“And the handover of abandoned wells to the NUPRC for proper management and utilisation”.
Still, other recommendations include the strict implementation and enforcement of internationally acceptable crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals or the restoration of the Weights and Measures Departments of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to the upstream sector.
It also recommended that this should be followed with empowering the Weights and Measures Departments to acquire and use state of the art measuring equipment at all production sites and export terminals.
According to it, this would promote and strengthen accurate measurement, transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry.
The committee also proposed that it be empowered to “track, trace, and recover” all stolen crude oil and its proceeds, locally and internationally — a recommendation that immediately sparked debate among lawmakers.
Some Senators while commending the committee’s work, cautioned against exceeding legislative powers.
PDP Bauchi Senator, Abdul Ningi described the report as “detailed and commendable,” but argued that the committee’s mandate should not include direct recovery of stolen funds.
“We can track and trace, but recovery is beyond the powers of the Senate. The committee should specify losses, locations, and report back for referral to agencies such as the EFCC or ICPC,” he said.
Ningi noted that consultant reports cited in the document revealed crude oil revenue shortfalls of $81 billion between 2016 and 2017, in addition to $200 billion in unaccounted proceeds from 2015 to date.
Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Solomon Adeola supported Ningi’s position, saying the recovery process must be handled by the executive arm.
“The committee should provide more details — names of companies, figures, and locations — before any further steps are taken.
“It is not the role of the Senate to recover funds; that lies with appropriate agencies,” Adeola said.
Other Senators, including Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo (APC-Gombe), also called for a more comprehensive final report.
This he said is to identify all “actors” involved in the theft, the specific wells and rigs affected and quantities of crude lost through illegal bunkering and pipeline leakages.
“The title of the report includes ‘the actors,’ so we must know who they are. It is a complex web involving companies, individuals, and illegal refineries. We need well-by-well and rig-by-rig data,” Dankwambo said.
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) urged patience, stressing that since the report was interim, the Senate should only receive it and await the final submission.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio commended Sen. Nwoko and his team for their “thorough and courageous work,” but aligned with colleagues who said the Senate could not directly recover stolen funds.
“Our duty is to track and trace. Recovery is a separate mandate handled by government agencies. Nonetheless, we encourage the committee to continue its work and present a final, comprehensive report,” Akpabio said.
He described the estimated $300 billion in crude oil losses as “staggering,” saying it underscores the need for urgent reforms and stricter oversight of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The Senate thereafter resolved to adopt the interim report and directed the ad hoc committee to continue its investigation and submit a final report with detailed findings and actionable recommendations.
Oil & Gas
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas Flaring Accountability,-says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo
Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost.
Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future.
According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”.
The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added.
Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
Oil & Gas
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas flaring accountability, community justice, reversal of executive order 9 - says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost. Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future. According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”. The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them. Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added. Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”. Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo
Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost.
Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future.
According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”.
The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added.
Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Stakeholders of some Niger Delta communities have added their voices to the growing calls for the end to gas flaring in Nigeria.
The stakeholders who are from communities affected by environmental pollution and degradation are also advocating renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
The communities made their position known at Global Week of Action,
organized by the Quest for Growth and Development Foundation under the theme “Kick the Polluters Out”, held in Port Harcourt Rivers State at the weekend.
Speaking at the town hall meeting, which brought together community leaders, civil society representatives, and traditional rulers, Barr. Mrs. Comfort Uche Agumagu, the woman leader of Oromeruezimgbu Community in Rivers State called on the government to accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
She demanded responsible environmental practices from oil multinationals who she blamed for extensive pollution of the environment.
She said; “I have learnt the harmful effect of pollution, especially gas flaring. Most of us were not aware of these things.
“Proper sensitization should be done so that the public will be fully aware of the dangers.”
Mrs. Agumagu issued a strong call to the Rivers State House of Assembly to prepare a bill that would ensure proper cleanup of other communities beyond Ogoni land and hold polluters accountable.
She commended Quest for Growth and Development Foundation for the sensitization programme, admitting that many residents had been living with the dangers of pollution without knowing it.
Mr. Chukwudi Ebony Johnson, a representative of ONELGA (Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni Local Government Area), praised the organisers while urging them to take the campaign to a higher level.
“I want to encourage the organisers to extend this programme to the state government,” Johnson said, signaling the need for policy-level engagement with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
Royal Chief Ambassador Magnus, the paramount ruler of Erewa village and a stakeholder in Gokana Local Government Area, commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the government for their efforts in Ogoni land.
“I commend HYPREP for taking their time to do what is right for the Ogoni people,” he said.
He however advised the government on a fundamental shift.
“I want also to advise government on the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy to avoid further damage on the environment,” Chief Magnu stated.
Coordinator of the Quest for Growth and Development Foundation, Mr. Smith Nwokocha, explained the rationale behind the town hall meeting, stressing that community voices must not be silenced.
“The main purpose of the town hall meeting is to ensure that the voices of common people are heard in holding polluters accountable.
“The multinationals and government have a duty to protect the oil host communities from damage to their health and livelihoods,” Nwokocha said.
He reiterated the foundation’s position on energy policy, calling for a decisive break from fossil fuel dependency.
“We are calling on the government that instead of constant oil drilling and gas flaring, there is an alternative source of energy – which is renewable energy.
“It is safer for the environment, and they should invest in it for the betterment of the people.”
The Global Week of Action is an annual mobilisation coordinated by civil society groups worldwide to demand climate justice and corporate accountability.
Rivers State, the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry, has long suffered from gas flaring, oil spills, and environmental pollution, with communities in Ogoni, ONELGA, and other local government areas bearing the brunt of decades of extraction without adequate remediation.
While the Ogoni cleanup under HYPREP has made some progress, speakers at the event argued that neighbouring communities remain neglected and demand a comprehensive, statewide approach to environmental restoration.
There Is No Fake Signature in Ikenga’s Nomination, All Lawmakers Signed Voluntarily *attached is CCTV video evidence of Philip Agbese
By Our Correspondent The G-60 Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives wishes to categorically state that there was no...
WAEC’s Night Examinations Violate Students’ Rights, Endanger Lives — HURIWA
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses profound concern and outrage over reports that candidates...
Cooking Gas Price Surge: HURIWA Condemns Economic Cruelty, Says Uncontrolled Profiteering Violates Citizens’ Right to Life
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses deep outrage and grave concern over the alarming...
Eight suspected fake pastors arraigned in. Court in Anambra
By Our Correspondent In a bid to rid the state of criminal activities, eight suspected fake pastors arrested from Onitsha,...
About seven SANs expected to grace 2026 NBA Law Week in Niger state
By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna Not fewer than seven Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SANs) are expected to participate at the Minna Branch...
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas Flaring Accountability,-says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa...
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas flaring accountability, community justice, reversal of executive order 9 - says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost. Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future. According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”. The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them. Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added. Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”. Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa...
2026 Hajj: IHR reports gaps in feeding, welfare, Hadaya services at Mina, Arafat *Calls for refunds, tighter oversight on animal sacrifice
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, Media Monitoring Team has reported significant gaps between pilgrims’ expectations and services...
BMU Inferno: Vice Chancellor Orders Full Investigation To Ascertain Cause
By David Owei The Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Professor Dimie Ogoina, has ordered a full investigation to ascertain...
Troops Of Operation Hardin Kài Sustain Operational Operational Momentum, Record Significant Successes , Disruption Terror Networks In North East
By Our Correspondent The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY...
-
Politics1 year agoGov Okpebholo moves to end Cultism *Threatens action against leading cult groups *Vows to demolish more cult houses in Edo State
-
Politics9 months agoASUU-NDU protest against FG loans, unpaid salaries,Non-Implementation of agreements …..says loans is generational slavery
-
Business & Economy10 months agoPC-NCG Issues Disclaimer on Purported Nigerian Coast Guard National Orientation Exercise In Anambra State
-
Entertainment2 years agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
Sports4 months agoBayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
-
General News2 years agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
Law & Crime11 months agoLegal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem
-
General News2 years agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri