HoR ready to probe I50,000mts stolen crude Oil, burnt vessel
By Tom Okpe
The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee, to investigate what becomes of 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil ladened in the recently burnt Vessel MT TURA in Escravos River, Warri, Rivers State.
The House therefore, urged the security agencies of the Federal Government to desist from further setting ablaze vessels laden with stolen crude oil.
This was sequel to the amendments and adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep Thomas Ereyitomi from Delta State at plenary on Tuesday.
Moving, the motion, Ereyitomi noted the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday, July 17 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
He also noted that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil.
The lawmaker said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11th July, 2023, adding that in October 2022, a vessel named MT DEIMA which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river.
Ereyitomi said the House was: “Also aware that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well-endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration.
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“Worried that this act if allowed to continue, will further affect the livelihood and the overall wellbeing
of the Niger Delta people who have fishing as their main occupation.
“Cognizance of the determination of the Federal Government to curb oil spill in the Niger Delta region
and make the living condition of the people better.”
Adopting the motion, the Housr mandated the Committees on Environment and Maritime, (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
