OIL THEFT: LAWAN, GBAJABIAMILA CALL FOR STRICTER HANDLING OF CULPRITS.
Written by AIGBOKHAEBHO OKHUELEIGBE on October 7, 2022
The leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take desperate measures against oil thieves in the country; describing the act as “treasonable”.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan stated this at the 2023 budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari to a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday.
The Senate President said the numerous economic challenges confronting Nigeria can be easily overcome by ending crude oil theft.
In his remark, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila called for stiffer measures against oil thieves in the country.
Both lawmakers believe the urgent review of the waivers and concessions totaling six trillion naira granted by the government is key particularly at a “critical time as this”, insisting that some of those waivers are no longer justifiable.
They want the President to take some major revenue-generating agencies from direct funding by placing them on what they described as the “cost of collection of revenues” which they say will require “courageous” fiscal policies.
The leadership of the National assembly also called on ministries, departments, and agencies, asking them to strictly adhere to the laws governing the country’s accounting process.
