Youths of Oil and Gas Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCON) have lauded the appointment of Senator Ned Nwoko, the distinguished representative of Delta North Senatorial District, as Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.
In a statement issued by the National President of HOSTCON, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, the council described Senator Nwoko’s appointment by the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as a critical development for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
HOSTCON sees this as a significant opportunity to reshape the entire oil and gas value chain in the country.
“We firmly believe that Senator Nwoko’s leadership will play a pivotal role in revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and tackling the economic challenges the nation faces,” said the statement.
HOSTCON expressed confidence that the committee, under Senator Nwoko’s direction, would effectively address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region, which has long hindered Nigeria’s economic progress.
The council noted that Senator Nwoko’s swift action since assuming leadership signifies a turning point in the fight against oil theft.
“It will no longer be business as usual for those who engage in sabotage, whether locally or internationally.
Senator Nwoko has already hit the ground running, and we will see unprecedented efforts in the battle against oil theft,” the statement continued.
HOSTCON also described Senator Nwoko as a “round peg in a round hole,” recognizing his extensive experience and strategic leadership.
“The Senator we know is a man of courage, a seasoned international lawyer, and a master strategist. He has the commitment and capability to rid the oil and gas sector of those who have looted from our national wealth,” the statement added.
The youth council further praised Senator Nwoko for his deep understanding of the challenges facing the Niger Delta and his ability to confront the issues of oil theft head-on.
“His track record of service to Nigeria assures us that his efforts will yield tangible results,” the council remarked.
Additionally, HOSTCON emphasized Senator Nwoko’s ability to unite Nigerians through his patriotic, detribalized approach to leadership.
His contributions as a leader in the Senate and his previous roles, including his work as an international lawyer, have earned him widespread respect, and his appointment has been warmly welcomed by the council.
“The first 100 days under Senator Nwoko’s leadership will bring profound results,” the statement said.
“We believe that his leadership will bring about a tremendous transformation in the oil and gas sector.”
Senator Nwoko’s recent engagements, including his courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for military collaboration, demonstrate his commitment to curbing the menace of crude oil theft.
He has also established a surveillance team to monitor oil facilities and set up systems for both overt and covert monitoring.
The Senate committee, under his leadership, is advocating for stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms, enhanced surveillance, and improved inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft, both within Nigeria and across international borders.
Senator Nwoko has also emphasized the need for policies and security technologies that will protect Nigeria’s future and hold perpetrators accountable.
“The task at hand is not only about protecting revenue; it’s about securing the future of the nation, enhancing economic resilience, and creating an environment conducive to national progress,” Senator Nwoko was quoted as saying.
HOSTCON assured Nigerians of Senator Nwoko’s ability to lead this fight, citing his background as an international criminal lawyer and his impactful work within the Senate.
His legislative efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda have already led to significant changes in his senatorial district.
The leadership of HOSTCON, under Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, along with the National Executive Committee, elders, and Board of Trustees, fully supports Senator Nwoko’s leadership of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters.
“As the most critical umbrella body representing the oil and gas-producing communities, we at HOSTCON are committed to partnering with the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, to work with Senator Ned Nwoko in combatting sophisticated oil theft syndicates and protecting the Nigerian economy,” the statement noted.
“We stand united in our effort to save Nigeria’s oil sector from the grip of criminals who are determined to cripple our nation’s economy.”
