The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has called for the effective prosecution of oil thieves to curb the rampant economic sabotage crippling Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The Administrator made the declaration while hosting the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, led by its Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Ibas stressed that weak punishment for offenders emboldens criminality, depriving the nation of critical revenue needed for development.

“Your presence here is both significant and timely. Crude oil theft strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s economic survival, undermining President Bola Tinubu’s reforms to boost oil production and fund national infrastructure,” he stated.

He commended the Committee’s mandate to investigate oil theft across producing states and terminals, expressing confidence that their recommendations would strengthen Nigeria’s economic base.

Rivers State’s Anti-Theft Measures & Security Upgrades
The Administrator highlighted Rivers State’s progress in reducing pipeline vandalism to include improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination, and structured engagements with traditional rulers and community stakeholders.

As well as the planned deployment of digital surveillance systems over oil installations and Port Harcourt’s “Safe-City” security architecture.

“As a major oil-producing state, we are committed to eliminating threats to production. Our goal is a secure, tech-driven monitoring framework to safeguard assets and boost output,” he said.

To tackle oil theft nationally, Ibas urged strict prosecution of offenders by ensuring that convicted oil thieves face deterrent penalties.

“Tamper-Proof Metering Systems – Fix faulty metering, which accounts for 40% of oil losses. Enhanced Naval & Security Funding – Strengthen the Nigerian Navy and maritime agencies.

“Expand monitoring to backwaters and international waters, where large-scale theft occurs,” he added.

Responding, Senator Ned Nwoko affirmed the Committee’s resolve to identify and dismantle theft networks, both onshore and offshore.

“We need Rivers State’s support to end this menace. Big-time thieves operate in international waters, and we must collaborate to secure Nigeria’s resources,” he said.

The Committee, inaugurated three months ago, will submit actionable solutions to the National Assembly to sanitise the oil sector.

According to a statement by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser – Media, Rivers State Government, steps, including an immediate rollout of digital surveillance in Rivers State, were suggested.

Vice Admiral Ibas reiterated Rivers State’s readiness to partner with federal stakeholders to protect national assets and restore Nigeria’s oil revenue potential.