NMDPRA raises alarm over massive petroleum theft in Bonny
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had raised the alarm over what it termed massive petroleum theft and economic sabotage, urging the Nigerian military to immediately look into the matter before the hemorrhage crumbles the economy.
In a letter addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, dated June 8, 2023 titled: “Economic Sabotage, Criminal Damage and Theft Through Illegal Petroleum Lifting Operations at Bonny River Terminal”, NMDPRA Authority Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, alleged that a vessel named Barumk Gas, in cahoots with ExonMobil, was lifting Butane at Bonny River Terminal without the authorisation or participation of his agency.
The letter, has reference number: NMDPRA/OACE/EXC.14/2023/05.
While seeking the Defence Chief’s urgent intervention, the letter noted that bypassing the NMDPRA, being an agency of government statutorily responsible for regulating operations at the terminal was completely illegal and economically dangerous.
“This unlawful action is being facilitated with the active connivance of Exxon Mobil which has illegally destroyed the locks on the sea-line valve whose keys are in the custody of the Authority.
“The actions of Exxon Mobil and Barumk Gas constitute economic sabotage criminal damage and theft of Nigeria’s national resources.
“You are by this letter kindly requested to urgently prevent the sailing out of Barumk Gas until investigations into the matter are concluded”, the letter stated.
Reacting to the news of illegal oil theft , Oge Udeagha, the Manager, Media and Communications of ExxonMobil, said all operations of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture are carried out in full compliance with the law.
Records from the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), show that between 2009-2020, 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at $46.16 billion or (N16.25 trillion) have been stolen or unaccounted for.
In January this year, former President Muhammadu Buhari, charged the security agencies to end the criminality before May 29, as his administration could no longer tolerate it. But he failed to achieve that as the sabotage seems to defy all government solutions.
