HOSTCON Youth Council Hails Sen. Ned Nwoko’s Appointment as Chairman of Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Youth Council of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline-Impacted States of Nigeria (HOSTCON) has commended the appointment of Senator Ned Nwoko as the Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, describing it as a “game-changer” for the nation’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued via electronic mail, the National President of HOSTCON, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, expressed confidence that Senator Nwoko’s leadership would usher in a new era in Nigeria’s fight against crude oil theft.

“It will never be business as usual for saboteurs, both locally and internationally, because he has already hit the ground running,” the statement read. “Nigerians will witness an unprecedented crackdown on oil and gas thieves, regardless of their status.”

Senator Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, has been tasked with leading efforts to combat crude oil theft, an issue that has long plagued Nigeria’s economy. The illicit trade, often involving complex networks of local and international actors, has cost the country billions in lost revenue annually.

HOSTCON emphasized that Nwoko’s appointment aligns with the Senate’s commitment, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to restore transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

Strategic Moves Against Oil Theft

The youth council praised Senator Nwoko’s proactive approach, noting his recent consultations with security agencies, including a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to strengthen military collaboration against oil thieves.

“He has already set up and inaugurated a surveillance team for overt and covert oversight on oil facilities and institutions,” HOSTCON stated. “His underground strategies will take oil thieves by storm and surprise, bringing lasting solutions to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and beyond.”

The statement also highlighted Senator Nwoko’s legal expertise and legislative track record as key assets in the fight against oil theft.

“As an international criminal lawyer, he has the expertise to bring these thieves to justice. His performance in the Senate, including his sponsorship of numerous life-changing bills, speaks volumes of his dedication to national progress,” the youth body noted.

Collaboration for National Economic Recovery

HOSTCON reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Senate Committee, security agencies, and other stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s oil wealth. The group called for enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, improved surveillance operations, and seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the sophisticated networks behind crude oil theft.

“This is not just about revenue protection; it is about securing Nigeria’s economic future and fostering sustainable national development,” the statement emphasized.

HOSTCON further assured Nigerians that Senator Nwoko’s first 100 days in office would set a new precedent in tackling oil theft.

“We are confident that his leadership will bring about a remarkable transformation in the oil and gas sector,” the statement concluded. “The HOSTCON Youth Council fully supports the Senator Ned Nwoko-led committee in its mission to salvage the economy from oil thieves working in collaboration with foreign interests.”

Senator Nwoko’s appointment comes at a critical time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to curb crude oil theft and boost revenue generation. With stakeholders rallying behind his leadership, expectations are high for decisive action against the entrenched illicit activities undermining the country’s economic stability.