Skip to main content

Senator Eteng Jonah Williams Declares Crude Oil Theft a National Menace at Public Hearing

 

In a compelling address at the National Assembly on Thursday, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams described Nigeria’s rampant crude oil theft crisis as a national menace that must be brought to an end. Speaking at the public hearing of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Williams who represents Cross River Central condemned the scale of the illicit trade, calling it a threat to Nigeria’s economic survival and national security.

Senator Williams emphasized that the hearing was not merely a formality but a decisive step in uncovering the full extent of the criminal enterprise plaguing the oil and gas sector. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to accountability, insisting that no individual, institution, or syndicate involved in oil theft would be spared scrutiny.

The public hearing, held in Abuja, brought together top government officials, oil industry regulators, security agencies, community leaders from oil-producing areas, and international experts. It forms a pivotal phase in the Senate’s strategy to expose the systemic failures enabling crude oil theft and introduce practical, enforceable solutions.

Senator Williams praised the committee’s ongoing technical and forensic investigations, which are tracking stolen crude from source to sale, including following financial trails through international banking networks.

“We must rise beyond rhetoric. This is about restoring integrity to a sector that forms the backbone of our economy,” Williams added. “The Nigerian people are watching, and we must deliver results.”

Also speaking at the hearing, Committee Chairman Senator Ned Nwoko echoed Williams’ sentiments, stressing that the committee’s work is focused on dismantling a criminal economy that robs Nigeria of critical revenue and fuels environmental degradation.

“We are listening. We are acting. And we will not stop until this tide is turned,” Nwoko declared.

In his opening remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, announced that the Senate is considering stiffer penalties for oil theft, including classifying it as an act of terrorism.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

  In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...
1 comment
Read more

Hope Waddell, Ex-Gov Ayade Settle Land Dispute, Launch 1bn Endowment Fund

  By Detailing News  The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution. The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895. According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police. “The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Associati...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gov’s Aide on Public Utilities Assesses Infrastructure at College of Health, Calabar

     By Detailing News  In a bid to revamp public utilities across Cross River State, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, embarked on a needs assessment tour of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, today March 12, 2025. The visit forms part of a statewide initiative to identify and restore non-functional public infrastructure, aligning with Governor Otu’s "First People’s Mantra", which prioritizes the well-being of citizens and economic growth through infrastructural development. Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of rehabilitating public utilities to enhance their efficiency, encourage industrial growth, and create a conducive environment for investment in the state. "This tour is necessary to assess the state of public utilities and identify areas where the government must intervene. Many institutions, including this college, have pressing infrastructural challenges that hinder growth and academic excel...
Post a Comment
Read more