NBA Advocates Compensation For Landowners To Combat Oil Theft In Niger Delta
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has recommended that the government provide compensation to landowners in oil-producing regions as a strategy to mitigate oil theft. According to a statement on the NBA’s website released Tuesday, Osigwe emphasized that involving local communities through compensation could align their interests with national priorities and reduce the incentives for oil theft.
“Compensating landowners in oil-producing areas could encourage communities to act as protectors of these resources, thereby diminishing the attractiveness of oil theft,” Osigwe stated.
Call for Sector Reforms
The NBA President also highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to foster transparency and community engagement in protecting oil resources. He noted that addressing oil theft requires more than policy enforcement; it demands leadership, transparency, and accountability.
Osigwe, speaking at the NBA National Executive Council meeting in Enugu, urged the government to address the issue, which he described as a significant challenge with wide-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy, politics, and society. Despite Nigeria’s status as a leading oil producer, the country loses billions annually to oil theft.
Impact on Nigerians and Governance
Osigwe pointed out that while a select group benefits from illegal oil operations, ordinary citizens suffer from deepening poverty and growing distrust toward the government. He argued that stolen oil wealth fuels corruption and inequality, obstructing the path to a fairer society.
“This crisis perpetuates disillusionment and widens social disparities, making Nigeria’s aspirations for a more just society even more elusive,” he said.
Allegations of Collusion
Osigwe expressed concerns about reports suggesting complicity among government officials and security agencies in oil theft. He referenced allegations, including videos purportedly showing naval vessels involved in facilitating oil theft, stressing the need for thorough investigations and accountability.
Context of the Oil Theft Crisis
The call for reform comes against the backdrop of alarming statistics reported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. In June 2024, the NNPC documented 400 incidents of oil theft within a single week. These incidents included illegal refineries, unauthorized connections, oil spills, and vessel infractions, with the majority occurring in Rivers and Bayelsa states.
Osigwe’s call adds to growing pressure on the government to implement transparent measures to address the persistent issue undermining Nigeria’s economy and governance.
