March 08, (THEWILL) – The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON) has praised the appointment of Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, as Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, describing it as “commendable”.
HOSTCON highlighted that Senator Nwoko’s appointment by the 10th Senate, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marks a transformative step for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement issued via email and signed by the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, HOSTCON expressed confidence that the Senator Nwoko-led committee will address the nation’s economic challenges and combat oil theft.
The statement read: “It will never be business as usual for saboteurs, both locally and internationally. Senator Nwoko has hit the ground running, and Nigerians will witness unprecedented progress in tackling oil and gas theft, regardless of the perpetrators’ status.”
HOSTCON emphasised Senator Nwoko’s strategic approach, “As a round peg in a round hole, his covert strategies will dismantle networks involved in crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and hinterlands. His courage and expertise position him to eradicate systemic sabotage by those exploiting our national resources for personal gain.”
The council noted Nwoko’s deep understanding of the Niger Delta’s challenges, “As a son of the region, he possesses firsthand knowledge of the criminal activities plaguing our oil sector and is equipped to implement effective countermeasures.”
HOSTCON lauded Nwoko’s patriotism and leadership: “His appointment is widely celebrated, reflecting his distinguished service and commitment to national unity. Within 100 days, his initiatives—including partnerships with the military and surveillance teams—will yield measurable progress.”
The committee has already advocated for enhanced intelligence-sharing, advanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle theft networks. Senator Nwoko affirmed, “Our mandate extends beyond revenue protection; it is about securing Nigeria’s future and fostering economic resilience.”
HOSTCON underscored Nwoko’s legal acumen and legislative impact, “His background as an international criminal lawyer ensures accountability, while his legislative efforts under President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda have already transformed lives in Delta North.
The council pledge, “As the voice of oil-producing communities, HOSTCON will collaborate with the 10th Senate and Senator Nwoko to safeguard Nigeria’s economy from sophisticated oil thieves and their foreign allies.”
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
