Can mere media denial, Presidential visit derail ongoing ExxonMobil oil theft probe?
There had been mixed reactions and anxiety across the oil and gas industry over the weighty allegation of oil theft by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that ExxonMobil is illegally lifting products without recourse to laid down regulations.
Recall that as soon as the federal agency wrote to the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, drawing his attention to the fact that the vessel, Barumk Gas is lifting Butane at Bonny River Terminal without authorisation or participation of the NMDPRA which is the agency of Government statutorily responsible for regulating operations at the Terminal, Manager, Media and Communications, ExxonMobil, Oge Udeagha claimed that “we wish to state that all operations of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture are carried out in full compliance with the law.”
The stand of the Media Manager was further followed by a sudden presidential visit of ExxonMobil executive team.
In a letter written by Ahmed to Gen. Yahaya, dated June 8, titled “Economic Sabotage, Criminal Damage and Theft Through Illegal Petroleum Lifting Operations at Bonny River Terminal,” NMDPRA noted in the letter that the unlawful act is being facilitated with the active connivance of Exxon Mobil who has illegally destroyed the locks on the sea-line valve whose keys a in the custody of the Authority.
The letter stated that 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 Barumk Gas until investigations into the matter are concluded.” Ahmed requested the Chief of Army Staff.
