RIVERS SENATOR FAULTS NNPCL OVER REPEATED ABSENCE FROM CRUDE THEFT PROBE

Senator representing Rivers East, Chief Thompson Sekibo, has criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its repeated absence from Senate investigations into crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The senator made the observation on Friday during a session of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), where NNPCL officials were expected to provide insight into the persistent problem of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Senator Sekibo expressed frustration over the company’s failure to appear before the committee despite multiple invitations. “NNPCL’s repeated absence from this important probe is unacceptable. As the major player in the upstream sector, they have a responsibility to provide answers and work with the Senate to address this national challenge,” Sekibo stated.

The committee is investigating the massive revenue loss due to crude oil theft and the effectiveness of current security measures in the oil-producing region. The senator called on the Federal Government to compel NNPCL to cooperate fully with the investigation.

NNPCL has not issued an official response to the criticism. However, sources within the company cited scheduling conflicts and internal restructuring as reasons for their absence from previous sessions.

The issue of crude oil theft has remained a major concern for the Nigerian economy, with billions of dollars lost annually to illegal bunkering and pipeline sabotage. The Senate has vowed to continue the investigation until concrete solutions are found.

Senator Sekibo urged all relevant stakeholders to take the matter seriously and work towards ending the economic sabotage that has deprived the country of much-needed revenue. He also called for stronger collaboration between the government, security agencies, and oil companies to protect national assets.

The Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) is expected to reconvene next week, with hopes that NNPCL will honour the invitation and provide the necessary information to aid the investigation.