Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent seizure of a Nigerian-owned supertanker by U.S. authorities over alleged crude oil theft, calling the incident a wake-up call for Nigeria’s struggling economy and governance.
In a statement, Obi said the development highlights a deeper, systemic crisis: “Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise thriving on weak institutions, lack of accountability, and entrenched impunity.
When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty.”
The former Anambra State Governor stressed the need for urgent reforms, including stronger maritime security, regulatory overhauls, digitization of oil tracking, and the dismantling of criminal networks profiting from the country’s resources.
He also called on Nigerian authorities to collaborate with international partners to uncover the full facts and hold all complicit parties accountable.
“A nation cannot attract investment or respect when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and mismanagement.
Nigeria has everything it needs to prosper. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens. A New Nigeria is possible,” he said.
