HURIWA urges civil society support in combating crude oil theft

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged for strong civil society support in combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

This is in response to recent allegations by Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which emphasise the systemic extent of the problem.

HURIWA emphasised the urgent necessity for joint action to solve the rising epidemic of crude oil theft, which is endangering Nigeria’s economic stability.

Mele Kyari’s declaration of nearly 9,000 breaches of oil pipelines in a year emphasises the urgency of the matter.

HURIWA believes that civil society organisations and non-governmental entities must work together to support the NNPC’s efforts to combat crude oil theft.

The organisation emphasised constitutional concepts that require citizens to uphold good governance norms, citing Section 14 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Mele Kyari’s remarks during an oversight event at the NNPC headquarters showed the scope of the problem, with thousands of illicit refineries disabled and pipeline connections severed.

Despite these attempts, crude oil theft continues disturbingly widespread, posing serious challenges to Nigeria’s oil output ambitions.

In response, HURIWA praised Mele Kyari’s dedication to solving the situation and announced ongoing conversations with stakeholders to form a national network of Civil Rights Bodies to Combat Crude Oil Thefts.

The organisation emphasised the significance of unity in protecting Nigeria’s resources while also promoting justice and prosperity for all.