In a bid to tackle the menace of crude oil theft in Nigeria, the Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the issue. Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee.

The committee’s formation is a direct response to a motion sponsored by Senator Nwoko in July 2023, which highlighted the need to investigate the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The motion also sought to identify the actors involved in the theft.

As part of its mandate, the committee will investigate the involvement of security forces, militia groups, local communities, and oil company employees in crude oil theft. The committee will also recommend measures to enhance surveillance and safeguard oil installations.

In a related development, the Senate has begun considering a bill that seeks to restrict the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours nationwide. The proposed legislation aims to reduce the risk of accidents and improve road safety.

If passed into law, the bill will prohibit the movement of these vehicles between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight, except in emergency situations. The restriction is expected to reduce congestion on the roads and minimize the risk of accidents.