The House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Crude Oil Theft are partnering to introduce five strategic bills aimed at tackling persistent issues in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Chairman of both Committees, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, disclosed this during a joint session held on Tuesday.
He explained that the proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to protect the country’s vital oil and gas infrastructure and confront the menace of crude oil theft head-on.
One of the draft bills, Doguwa said,will establish a statutory Commission dedicated to preventing pipeline vandalism and prosecuting related oil crimes.
“There is growing concern over the rising wave of insecurity and illegal activities in oil-producing zones. These bills are part of the National Assembly’s attempt to bolster the government’s initiatives in safeguarding our petroleum assets,” he said.
Doguwa emphasized that both committees, Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft, have overlapping responsibilities, especially regarding crude oil production and exports.
“In essence, both committees are tackling different angles of the same problem, crude oil. While one addresses theft and sabotage, the other is focused on exploration and export. Working together ensures a more coordinated and impactful legislative response,” he stated.
He announced that one of the proposed bills, sponsored under the Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Committee and backed by the Speaker of the House, will create a Commission to oversee the decommissioning of oil installations. This issue has sparked significant concern among industry players and host communities alike.
“The decommissioning of oil assets is high on the agenda of the current administration. However, the regulatory framework remains inadequate. That’s why the Speaker and other House leaders are keen on supporting a bill that will give legal backing to a Commission that ensures transparent oversight and community inclusion in the process,” Doguwa explained.
He added that while each of the five bills will be sponsored by different committee members, they are the product of a united legislative initiative and not isolated efforts.
“These proposals may carry the names of individual legislators, but they stem from our collective resolve to tackle the pressing issues within the oil sector. This approach reflects our shared commitment to the expectations of our constituents and the nation at large,” he added.
