Oil Pipelines Vandalism and Oil Theft: Security Threat to Nigerian Economy and Environment

Abstract

Nigeria is a middle income country whose economy depends largely on crude and refined oil from its natural environment. A larger percentage of Nigeria economy survives mainly on the incomes from oil production. Over the years, there is recurrent dwindling oil revenue orchestrated by oil pipelines vandalism and oil theft in the environment. This is predominant in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This menace has wreaked havoc on the Nigeria’s economy. Currently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) claims the losses of 470,000 barrels per day of crude oil amounting to $700 million monthly due to oil theft. The disquiets of these menaces in the environment, which have posed serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, are addressed in this paper. This paper employed the doctrinal legal research methodology in evaluating the recurrent oil pipelines vandalism and oil theft causing a devastating economic meltdown. On this premise, this paper finds that persistent loss of barrels of crude oil and degradation of the environment are due to the lack of adequate security measures and proper enforcement of Oil Pipelines Act together with other relevant environmental laws. Based on the findings, this paper recommends a review of the Oil Pipelines Act, the establishment of a strong environmental security surveillance, and creation of a special court for accelerated prosecution of vandals. It concludes that this will mitigate the alarming economic meltdown of the Nigeria’s economy and promote a sustainable serene environment.