SEN NED NWOKO VISITS CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION AGAINST CRUDE OIL THEFT

Yesterday, been September 30th 2025, the most distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, Chairman Senate Committee on incessant crude oil theft was received by Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla in the naval headquarters in Abuja. 

The Chief of Naval Staff categorically stated that Senator Ned appears to be actively engaged in addressing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. 

The Senator's closed-door meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla highlights his focus on finding solutions to this pressing issue. The Senator was accompanied to the meeting by the lead consultant Hon. E.J Agbonayinma, FMHR, Federal Commissioner, Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Chief Godwin Osigbemeh PS and his Senior Special assistant on oil and gas matters Mr. Ally Isah and others. 

THE KEY AIM OF THE MEETING

COLLABORATION: Senator Nwoko's engagement with the Chief of Naval Staff indicates a collaborative approach to tackling oil theft. During the cause of their discussions they looked into various ways at which quick measures can be taken to assist the Navy in combating crude oil theft within the Nigerian Waterways.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: The senator reportedly asked quality, problem-solving questions, showcasing his proactive stance in assisting the CNS by way of legislation to enhance decorum in their operations.

SECURITY ENHANCEMENT: The Chief of Naval Staff request the assistance of federal government for the purchase of combat helicopters to bolster security against crude oil theft in deep offshore. He stated, that at the moment they only have surveillance helicopter but not combat helicopter.

They went further to discuss the context on Niger Delta Challenges which boil down to incessant crude oil theft and insecurity in the region.

OIL THEFT: The Chief of Naval Staff clearly stated the Niger Delta region faces significant crude oil theft, impacting Nigeria's economic and environment. But they've been able to cushion the effect by deploying their personnel into the various offshore terminals. He seek for a strong tie and possible recommendation from the ad-hoc committee on incessant crude oil theft to curb the menace.

SECURITY MEASURES: The CNS categorically made it known that the effort made by the federal government to allow the Naval command deploy personnel to monitor the terminal loading process had assisted in checkmating the actual volumes of crude oil that leaves the offshore terminals. The efforts which involve Naval operations like Operation Delta Sanity II to combat theft.

SEEKING FOR LEGISLATIVE WILL: The CNS also seek for collaboration with the Senate to look into possible ways were they can implement measures legislative wise by granting the navy a fiat and the ability to persecute any illegitimate vessel under the supervision of an organized naval special court.

DEEP APPRECIATION: The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla appreciated the unrelenting efforts put by the Senate ad-hoc committee chairman on incessant crude oil theft led by Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko and it's members. He categorically affirmed his commitment to work along with the committee in all ramifications to end the incessant crude Oil theft in the Niger Delta region. He also commended the Senate leadership led by the Senate President H.E Godswill Akpabio for his leadership support to see the committee succeed in all ramifications.

By Ally