In a decisive move to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Crude Oil Theft have unveiled plans to introduce five strategic bills targeting persistent challenges in the industry.
Chairman of both committees, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, made the disclosure during a joint session held on Tuesday, describing the proposed legislation as a unified response to rampant crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and regulatory lapses.
“One of the bills will create a statutory commission specifically tasked with tackling pipeline vandalism and prosecuting oil-related crimes,” Doguwa announced. “The worsening insecurity in oil-producing areas demands a structured and proactive legislative solution.”
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the two committees, pointing out that although they have distinct mandates, their core focus on crude oil production and security aligns.
“While one committee zeroes in on theft and sabotage, the other oversees exploration and export activities. By harmonizing our efforts, we can deliver more robust and coherent legislative outcomes,” Doguwa stated.
Among the five bills is a proposed legislation, backed by the Speaker of the House, seeking to establish a regulatory commission for the decommissioning of oil installations—a process that has raised environmental and accountability concerns, especially among host communities.
“The current administration recognizes the importance of properly managing decommissioned oil infrastructure,” Doguwa said. “But the absence of a clear regulatory framework has stalled progress. This bill aims to introduce transparency and ensure host communities are meaningfully engaged.”
He noted that although the bills will be sponsored by different members of the House, they represent a coordinated and unified effort by the National Assembly.
“Each bill may have an individual sponsor, but collectively, they represent our shared resolve to confront the systemic challenges facing the oil and gas industry. It’s a joint legislative response to a national imperative,” Doguwa concluded.
