National Assembly Complex


By Chika Amanze-Nwachukwu

There is an indication that the National Assembly may put together a legislation that will empower the  Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)  to apply very drastic measures in tackling illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Chairman, House Committee on Gas, Honourable Ewa Bassey disclosed  this during the committee’s oversight visit to DPR office in Lagos, Friday.

He said illegal bunkering and illegal refineries are issues that must be addressed drastically by the oil and gas regulatory agency.

For this reason, he said "the national assembly will give the DPR more powers to address issues bothering on bunkering and illegal refineries".

He expressed regrets that security operatives whose duty it is to combat crime, now collude with perpetrators of the sordid act.
The House committee chair further revealed that some provisions in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) gives the DPR more powers to deal with oil thieves.

He said: "Bunkering and illegal refineries are issues that must be addressed drastically by the DPR, the regulator of our oil and gas industry. We are not happy about the development and we have put our heads together on how to provide very drastic and stiff measures to ensure that those who are carrying out these acts are brought to book. Be rest assured that the committee on gas at the house and the senate will definitely cooperate with the DPR to ensure that this issue is address."