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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Crude Oil Theft are set to introduce five strategic bills aimed at resolving long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Chairman of both committees, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, announced the development during a joint session on Tuesday. He said the proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and combat the persistent menace of crude oil theft.
One of the draft bills, Doguwa disclosed, seeks to establish a statutory commission focused on preventing pipeline vandalism and prosecuting related oil crimes.
“There is growing concern over the surge in insecurity and illegal activities across oil-producing zones. These bills represent the National Assembly’s push to strengthen the government’s efforts in protecting our petroleum assets,” Doguwa said.
He noted that both committees—Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft, have overlapping mandates, particularly concerning crude oil production and exports.
“In essence, both committees are addressing different dimensions of the same issue, crude oil. While one focuses on theft and sabotage, the other concentrates on exploration and export. Working in synergy ensures a more coordinated and impactful legislative response,” he added.
Among the proposed bills is one backed by the Speaker of the House that seeks to establish a Commission to oversee the decommissioning of oil installations, an issue that has sparked concern among industry stakeholders and host communities.
“The decommissioning of oil assets is a key priority for the current administration, but the existing regulatory framework is inadequate. That’s why the Speaker and other House leaders support a bill that would establish a Commission to provide transparent oversight and promote community inclusion in the process,” Doguwa explained.
He emphasized that while each of the five bills will be sponsored by different members, they are the result of a united legislative front.
“These proposals may bear individual names, but they reflect our collective resolve to address the urgent challenges facing the oil sector. It’s a unified response to the expectations of our constituents and the nation,” he concluded.