Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the widespread theft of crude oil as an act of treason, calling for the harshest possible punishment for those responsible.
Speaking on Tuesday as the House resumed sittings after a two-month recess, Mr Gbajabiamila said the large-scale theft of crude oil had severely affected Nigeria’s oil production and export earnings, posing a serious threat to the country’s economy.
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He noted that Nigeria’s crude exports had fallen to their lowest level in two decades, attributing the decline to persistent oil theft.
“Those who seek to impoverish our country in this manner have declared war against the Nigerian people,” he told lawmakers.
“The government’s response must be sufficient to convince them of the error of their ways and deter others who might be tempted to join in their treason.”
According to data from Nigeria’s oil regulator, the country’s crude oil production fell below one million barrels per day in August, largely due to widespread theft and pipeline vandalism.
The decline in production has reduced government revenue and weakened Nigeria’s ability to benefit from elevated global oil prices.
Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari also expressed concern over the scale of crude oil theft, warning that the illegal activities were having an enormous impact on the country’s revenues.
The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to combat oil theft as it seeks to restore production levels and improve earnings from its vital petroleum sector.
