Protest Hits N’Assembly as Senate, Reps Debate Oil Theft

In Abuja on Wednesday, a group of demonstrators gathered at the National Assembly complex while lawmakers prepared to hold discussions on crude oil theft and pipeline security in the Niger Delta.

The protest was organised by the Coalition of Civil Society for Economic Protection, whose members marched to the venue carrying placards and chanting as they called attention to the issue.

Security operatives, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, blocked the protesters from entering the complex, maintaining order around the area. The protest came at a time when the National Assembly was increasing its focus on oil theft, a problem that has affected production levels, reduced government earnings, and contributed to unrest in oil-producing communities.

At the same time, a joint session of Senate and House of Representatives committees on petroleum resources was set to begin a roundtable aimed at reviewing the state of pipeline security and finding ways to address crude oil theft. Several top officials were expected at the meeting, including Godswill Akpabio, Tajudeen Abbas, Olatunji Disu, Olufemi Oluyede, and Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

During the protest, the group’s convener, Tesleem Kolawole, urged lawmakers to handle the issue carefully and consider the impact of pipeline protection efforts already in place. The group pointed to improvements in oil output in recent times and linked it to ongoing security arrangements, calling for continuity and better coordination rather than disruption.

Crude oil theft remains a major concern in Nigeria, with repeated efforts by the government and security agencies to reduce illegal activities around pipelines.

The ongoing discussions at the National Assembly are expected to influence future decisions on how the country protects its oil infrastructure and manages production.