Desist From Destroying Oil Laden Vessels – Lawmakers Directs Security Agencies

The House of Representatives has urged Security Agencies in the country to desist from the frequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by a lawmaker from Delta State Rep Thomas Ereyitomi, at plenary.

In his lead debate, the lawmaker explained that this was with a view to curbing Environmental Pollution in the Niger Delta Region.

Rep Ereyitomi observed that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels would further destroy the well endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration

He said “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 7th July, 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“Also notes 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. Further notes that the said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11th July, 2023.

“Aware that in October 2022, a vessel named MTDEIMA which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river.”

Adopting the motion, the House resolved to set up a committee to investigate the reasons behind the destruction of the oil laden vessels by the security agents.

The House thereafter mandated its Committees on Environment and climate change when constituted to ensure compliance