Nigerian investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has raised alarming concerns regarding the intricate and pervasive support network enabling illegal oil bunkering in the country. In a recent appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Soyombo disclosed disturbing findings from his undercover investigation, which led to his arrest by the Nigerian Army.
As the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Soyombo emphasized the complex involvement of various actors within the oil sector, including individuals entrusted with its supervision. He acknowledged the existence of honest and upright personnel within the military, but he also highlighted the significant role played by saboteurs who actively aid and abet illegal oil activities, urging for a comprehensive overhaul of the system.
Soyombo expressed his frustration and concern over the systemic corruption, stating that it is not just the illegal oil bunkers who are culpable but also those responsible for ensuring the sector's integrity. According to him, "What we would need is an overhaul of the system."
The journalist further revealed shocking details about the collusion between illegal operators and those tasked with enforcing the law. “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkers out of Port-Harcourt,” he said, describing a deeply entrenched network of corruption and complicity. He also accused the army spokesman of compromising his security by publicly disclosing sensitive information related to his investigation, such as the discovery of illegal bunkers.
Despite these challenges, Soyombo remains committed to exposing wrongdoing, stating, "There are clean men in the military, but we need to clean up the saboteurs who enable oil bunkerers to thrive." He acknowledged the risks involved in his investigative work, saying, "This is a new level for me that I need to do it. Rather than change approach, I will rather stop. Maybe I have one, two, three undercover investigations left, and I will stop."
Soyombo lamented the dangerous situations journalists face, recalling his previous investigation into smugglers and highlighting the need for citizens to feel safe in their country. "People have to know that in their country they can be safe, and we need to expose these wrongdoings," he said.
He also questioned the accuracy of official figures on crude oil theft, describing them as gross underestimations. “The figure being put out in terms of crude oil theft is an underestimation of what’s happening. The crude we were to move was for 50,000 barrels. If the man who got annoyed that he wasn’t bribed didn’t talk, we would have had two trucks move out. There is no institution that can say for a fact the barrels are being lifted daily.”
Soyombo's revelations shed light on the urgent need for systemic reform and increased accountability within Nigeria's oil sector, as well as greater protections for investigative journalists working to expose these deep-seated issues.
