Nigeria's fight against oil theft needs concerted effort

Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of crude oil theft, with Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, advocating for a concerted effort involving states and local governments to combat this longstanding problem. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa's Akin Obakeye, Wabote emphasized the need for key strategies to complement the efforts made by the Federal Government, urging for a depoliticization of the issue to achieve desired results. Wabote highlighted the importance of involving all levels of government in addressing the issue, pointing out that states and local governments, particularly those in oil-producing regions, also benefit from oil revenue, and therefore should actively participate in the fight against oil theft. He stressed the need for a clear strategy that holds states accountable for addressing oil theft within their domains, proposing the idea of establishing cooperatives for individuals involved in oil theft to transition into legitimate modular refinery operations. This approach, he argues, could provide a pathway for these individuals to engage in legal and sustainable practices, thereby reducing the incidence of crude oil theft. Wabote also underscored the environmental consequences of oil theft, noting that while the volume of refined oil stolen may be relatively small, the environmental damage caused by illegal refining activities is substantial. He called for collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments to tackle the issue effectively and emphasized the importance of holding all stakeholders accountable for finding lasting solutions. Despite the efforts made by the Federal Government, including the establishment of interventionist bodies such as the Niger Delta Ministry and the amnesty program, Wabote highlighted the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to combat oil theft, one that involves active participation from all levels of government and industry stakeholders. By decentralizing efforts and fostering collaboration between states, local governments, and oil companies, Nigeria may be better positioned to address the longstanding challenge of crude oil theft and ensure sustainable development in the oil-rich region.