Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has responded to reports that U.S. authorities have seized a Nigerian-owned supertanker.
Peter Obi has called for urgent action after a Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized over alleged crude oil theft and other illicit activities. In a detailed post on X, he stated that he had previously warned the Nigerian government about such illegal operations.
Peter Obi has called for a thorough investigation into the seizure of a Nigerian-owned supertanker by U.S. authorities, describing the incident as a “wake-up call.” He stated: “Reports indicate that the vessel was taken over due to allegations of crude oil theft and other illicit activities.
While the full details are still unfolding, this development is deeply concerning and highlights a broader crisis that continues to threaten our national economy, tarnish our global reputation, and jeopardize the future of our youth.
Over the years, I have repeatedly warned that Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft—a criminal enterprise thriving due to weak institutions, lack of accountability, and a pervasive culture of impunity.
When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen openly, whether on land or at sea, the people inevitably bear the consequences: schools decline, hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity deepens, and millions are pushed further into poverty.
The gravity of this incident cannot be overstated, and a thorough investigation must be conducted to uncover its root causes. This should serve as a wake-up call: ordinary Nigerians cannot perpetrate crude oil theft on this scale, and no responsible nation can afford to ignore the siphoning of its wealth by networks of powerful individuals.
We must bolster maritime security, reform our regulatory institutions, and implement a fully digitized, transparent system to track every barrel of oil produced in Nigeria. It is equally critical to dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated with impunity for decades.
Above all, we must restore Nigeria’s global reputation by demonstrating a genuine commitment to the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible stewardship of our national resources. No nation can attract meaningful investment while it remains in the headlines for corruption, theft, and mismanagement.
Nigerian authorities must collaborate with international partners to uncover the facts of this case and ensure that all those found complicit are held accountable, without fear or favour. Our country cannot afford to continue down this path.”
Nigeria possesses all the resources and potential to become a prosperous and respected nation. What we are missing is capable and empathetic leadership that places the well-being of its citizens first. The time for change is now.”