Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: oil thieves

  • Publish Names Of Oil Thieves Or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Buhari

    Publish Names Of Oil Thieves Or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Buhari

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “promptly set up a presidential panel of enquiry to thoroughly, impartially, and transparently investigate the operations of illegal oil pipelines from 2001 to date, and to widely publish the names of anyone suspected to be involved.”

    SERAP urged him to “ensure the prosecution by appropriate anti-corruption agencies of anyone suspected to be responsible for the plundering of the country’s oil wealth and the full recovery of any proceeds of crime.”

    SERAP also urged him to “promptly authorise the investigation of reports of the destruction of an oil bunkering vessel by security agencies and to ensure that suspected owners of the vessel are identified, named and brought to justice.”

    SERAP’s letter followed the recent reports that two illegal pipelines used to steal the country’s oil wealth from Forcados Terminal, and connected to the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export Trunk line, have been uncovered.

    In the open letter dated 15 October 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Poor and socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the stealing of the country’s oil wealth apparently by both state and non-state actors.”

    SERAP said, “Your government has a legal obligation to ensure that the country’s oil wealth is used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and that the wealth does not end up in private pockets, for the sake of the present and future generations.

    The letter, read in part: “Despite the country’s substantial oil wealth, successive governments have largely squandered the opportunity to use the wealth to improve the lives and well-being of ordinary Nigerians. This is a clear violation of the government’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations.”

    “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

    “SERAP urges you to consider referring the reports to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court [ICC] to investigate whether the allegations of oil theft in the country amount to crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the ICC, and to surrender all suspected perpetrators for trial by the ICC.”

    “SERAP is concerned that the illegal pipelines have been operated for many years without notice, implying a flagrant violation of constitutional and international obligations to ensure the proper, effective and efficient management of the country’s wealth and natural resources.”

    “It is in the public interest to promptly investigate the discovery of the illegal pipelines, publish the names of those suspected to be involved, and ensure that they are brought to justice, and that any proceeds of crime are fully recovered.”

    “Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition and improve public confidence in the fight against corruption and related crimes, especially in the oil sector.”

    “As the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources, you and your government have a legal responsibility to ensure accountability for these human rights crimes, and end the culture of impunity, which is fuelling the stealing of the country’s oil wealth”.

    “The proposed presidential panel of enquiry should be headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal, and its members should include people with proven professional record and of the highest integrity that can act impartially, independently, and transparently.”

    “The plundering of the country’s oil wealth has resulted in the downward trend in revenue and increasing level of borrowing, with reports of a projected N11.30 trillion deficit budget for 2023.”

    “SERAP is concerned that the unaddressed plundering of the country’s oil wealth has for many years contributed to shrinking revenue, chronic underfunding of public goods and services such as education, health, and access to safe drinking water, recurring budget deficits, growing level of borrowing, and unsustainable debt profile.”

    “According to our information, security agencies recently reportedly uncovered an illegal pipeline used to steal the country’s oil wealth for nine years from Forcados Terminal.”

    “Another illegal pipeline connected to the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export Trunk line, at the rear of a military security post in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State has reportedly been discovered.”

    “The discovery of the second illegal pipeline followed the recent destruction by security agents of a vessel allegedly used for crude oil theft off the Niger Delta creeks. About 58 illegal oil points have reportedly so far been discovered.”

    “Section 15 subsection (5) of the Constitution requires your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

    “The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate acts of corruption and hold public officials and non-state actors to account for any violations.”

    “Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure “effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions” including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.”

    “Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”

    “According to a Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit report, 160 million barrels of crude oil valued at $13.7 billion, was stolen in four years (2009-2012). There is also report of $17 billion debt of under-declared crude oil lifted by some international oil companies (IOCs) between 2011 and 2014.”

    “According to reports, Nigeria has seen increased oil theft in recent years. The country loses 470,000 barrels of crude oil monthly amounting to $700 million to oil theft.”

    “The country has reportedly lost $10 billion to crude oil theft in seven months, which is stated to be more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s external reserves. The Chatham House, a think-tank based in the United Kingdom has noted that oil theft in Nigeria is ‘on an industrial scale.’”

  • Gbajabiamila Advocates Stricter handling of Oil Thieves

    Gbajabiamila Advocates Stricter handling of Oil Thieves

    …proposes comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s oil and gas protection architecture 

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has advocated stricter handling of the oil thieves considering the socio-economic damage they are foisting on Nigerians.

    This is as the Speaker also handed down a warning to Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government to adhere strictly to laws governing their accounting process as the consideration of the 2023 Budget estimates commences.

    Gbajabiamila, while delivering the closing remarks during the presentation of the 2023 Money Bill at a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Friday, said the National Assembly is set to exercise the full authority of parliament to hold to account those who fail to provide the records needed to make informed decisions on the Appropriation Bill.

    Highlighting the dangers oil theft portends for Nigeria, Gbajabiamila said, “Mr President, permit me to convey the disquiet in the House of Representatives arising from the reports of a massive decline in the volume of crude oil exports due primarily to theft and diversion by criminal elements.  

    “It is the sense of the House of Representatives that those engaged in these activities are agents of economic sabotage determined to bring our country to its knees.  

    “Therefore, our position is that their actions constitute treason against our country, for which they and their enablers must be held accountable to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

    “Nigerians no longer want to hear about crude oil theft. The question has now become what are we doing about it”.

    The Speaker did not mince words on how to address the issue for the good of all, “Therefore we are urging a swift and systemic overhaul of the systems in place to protect the country’s oil and gas resources. 

    “Evidently, the arrangements in place are no longer adequate. As such, there is an obvious need for improvements to stop the loss of income occasioned by this ongoing sabotage. 

    “This is especially so at this time when the conditions of our national finances require significant borrowing to finance government operations, sustain investments in infrastructure and national security and improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people”, he noted.

    In view of the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing the country and the commencement of the 2023 budget consideration, Gbajabiamila harped on the need for due diligence and strict adherence to the law by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) on accountability. 

    He reiterated the determination of the National Assembly to leave a befitting legacy in that regard, saying, “As we consider this 2023 Appropriation Bill, I wish to remind the heads of ministries, departments and executive agencies that the National Assembly expects thorough accounting for previous appropriations, disbursements and expenditures.  

    “Where such accounts are not forthcoming, we will demand them.  And we will exercise the full authority of parliament to hold to account those who fail to provide the records we need to make informed decisions on the Appropriation Bill.

    “This is a priority for us as we wind down and begin compiling our service records for history and as a guide to those who will continue from where we stop.  

    “Just as the 9th Assembly has reformed the appropriations process to ensure timely budget passage, we also intend to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability as a standard for the future”. 

    While he commended President Buhari for the historic visit with an assurance to give the document the importance it requires, the Speaker implore the incoming Assembly to build on the novel and enduring reforms initiated by the 9th Assembly

    His words: “Today’s presentation is historic because it is the last such presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.  

    “It is also the last time the 9th Assembly will convene to receive the President for this purpose.  We are once more reminded of the finite nature of public service and the obligation to make the most of our time to deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people. 

    “It is often said that it is not how well you start but how strong you finish. We, intend here in the 9th assembly, to finish strong. 

    “I assure you the National Assembly will prioritise this bill and ensure it is passed before the end of the year, as is the practice in the 9th Assembly.  

    “However, we will not, in the quest for timely passage, fail to do the due diligence expected of us by the Nigerian people.  The reforms to the budget process initiated in the 9th Assembly have helped streamline the appropriations process and the oversight system.  

    “We have set a standard for others to match or answer for”.

    Gbajabiamila’s condemnation of oil theft and its corrosive effects on the country’s economy was earlier amplified by the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan who said oil thieves are enemies of the country.

    Also, while presenting the Budget estates, President Buhari appreciated the working relationship with the National Assembly, which he said has resulted in the accomplishment of far-reaching goals set by the government. 

    “We could not have made these historical achievements without the exceptional partnership this Administration has had with the Leadership and Members of the National Assembly. 

    “So may I pause here, to once again, thank the Senate and the House of Representatives for your engagement, support and contribution to these successes, which history will remember us all favourably for,” the President said.

  • NSCDC apprehends 69 Oil thieves in A’Ibom

    NSCDC apprehends 69 Oil thieves in A’Ibom

    At least 69 oil thieves and vandals have been apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the first quarter of this year in Akwa Ibom.

    The State Commandant, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, who disclosed this in an interaction with newsmen in Uyo yesterday said this was in furtherance of the Corps mandate to protect government critical infrastructure and arrest economic saboteurs.

    The Command he said have also been proactive in intelligence gathering across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, to nib crimes related to their mandate in the bud.

    “In the first quarter of the year, we placed significant emphasis on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

    “Here in Akwa Ibom, we do know that the network of pipelines are much and definitely we have criminal and non state actors tampering with the pipelines for economic profiteering and sabotage.

    “What we have done is to ensure that we deploy intelligence, capitals and assets to make sure that we do activities that serve as deterrent to these non state actors, that were always eager to steal petroleum products.

    “When we get quality intelligence, we plan and execute operations to make arrests. We also have, currently, about seven boats. In that particular case, we have 69 suspects, illegal dealers in petroleum products.

    “They have been charged to court and of course, we have made investigations and done a profiling, so those cases are currently in Court, for the Court to do the appropriate adjudication,” Majekodunmi said.

    Majekodunmi said that the suspects had been charged to court for prosecution, adding that the law would take it course while those found guilty would face the wrath of the law.

    The state commandant called on communities with critical government infrastructure to see the infrastructure as their own and protect them against vandalism.

    He said the Civil Defence would continue to promote crisis management and be proactive in dealing with conflict situations in the state through their peace and conflict resolution machinery.

    The commandant added that NSCDC over the years had deployed technology in fighting crimes so that they reach all criminal hideouts at ease in the state.

    Majekodunmi called on the media to ensure objectivity in their reportage to guarantee peace and national security in the state and the country.

  • Oil Thieves: Between Mythology and Mythic

    Oil Thieves: Between Mythology and Mythic

    By Adefolarin A.Olamilekan

    “Watin we no go yie for Niaja sef. Wich wan bi oil ye thief thief”. As humurous as the above may sound,it represent the out burst of millions of Nigerians. Resonating with what Fela Anikulapo Kuti refers to “as government magic”
    Curiously, the prevailing state of the Nigerian oil and gas environment and management is considered to be shrudded in official corruption, environmental degradation, human right abuses and violent enterprise.
    If one may ask what is oil theft or what is oil thieves all about?
    According to some scholars oil theft is considered to be the “illegal appropriation of crude or refined oil products from the pipelines of multinational oil companies” .
    Interesting in the case of Nigeria, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector view this development as a “facilitated and pragmatic co-operation between security forces, militia organizations, the local population, and oil company employees. Who use a variety of methods to steal oil from the multinational oil corporations that are stationed within the country” .
    For a country like ours that 90% of government revenue income depends on petroleum products. Oil theives alongside their colloborators has escalates challenges of the country. Especially as the nation still sleep over her progression from non oil export economy as against petro dollar export.
    Sadly, Oil theft development is getting worse on daily basis, with no solution on sight.Worse of it oil thefting often served some criminaly minded individuals as means of surviving and relevant.
    The recent alarm by Federal Government over the rising rate of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. Is indeed worrisome,as it disclosed that about ” $3.27 billion worth of oil has been lost to vandalism in the past 14 months”.
    This kind of news is not new to Nigerians, especially if we considered how successive government have all failed to tame the menace.
    Conversely,with hindsight from the 2021 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit report that indicated that in 2018, 53.28 million barrels were stolen by oil thieves. Similarly in 2019 alone Nigeria lost 42.25 million barrels of crude oil to oil theft, valued at $2.77 billion.
    In the same vein at the end of 2021, 193 million barrels of crude worth $3.5 billion diaappeared without a trace
    from Nigeria.
    Regreattably, all stolen crude values in millions of dollars. In the minds of managers of the country did shake them or arouse, a rethinking on security governance of that sectors.
    All we heards was the FG has identified a 3-element solution to ending oil theft in Nigeria as reported in the media recently. In the words of Minister of State for Petroleum Timipre Sylva, “there are 3 elements to the solution of the problem. The communities must be involved, the security agencies as law enforcement agents of the government must be involved, and the operating companies must also be involved.”
    We can’t agree less with the minister on the involvement of this three critical stakeholders.The questions that beg for answer is. Are the three element ready let go,this gold mine venture that is milking the nation dry and enriching some unscrupulous individuals and groups?
    The prevailing situation is pathetic and the NEITI Report exposed the rots, estimated value of stolen crude running into billions of naira and with an average loses of about 200,000 barrels per day.
    Given,the NEITI audit reports fundamentally point out. The official lack of federal oversight and a large network of corruption fuel oil theft over the years. And this comes as primarily with frequent collaboration between a variety of random criminal players depending on the level of oil theft being committed.
    Either community people,security personnel and oil companies workers as well as consultants. Each of them play specific role in the oil theft trade in Nigeria.
    Instructively, stolen crude oil is wealth that is been created illegally. Consequently, it further compound our environment degredation through crude refining process popularly refers to as illegal refinery.
    The striking thing is to remind the government about the inter-ministerial committee on the recovery of crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products
    task force its set up in 2021. After identifying the oil field terminals most crude oil losses occured that includes Bonny Terminal Network, Forcados Terminal Network and Brass Terminal Network.
    Interestingly, members of the inter-ministerial committee on the recovery of crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
    Comprises the security agencies that includes the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and others as backup to, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
    Yet still oil theives made away with over193 million barrels of crude oil deficit in 14 months estimated at $3.5 billion.
    Nevertheless, we cannot rule out undercurret factors aiding oil theft activities as: the worsening economic challenges, inadequate security surveillance, neglects of host communities and engagements, dilipadated oil facilities and stakeholder sabotages..
    What need to be done,how do we eliminate or at least reduce the menace of oil theives.
    First, government must drop the opaqueness that characterise the Nigeria state.Because nobody trust the goverment on any issues talkless of convincing the people about oil theives or oil theft. And this require both political will and been economically truthful to tackle the problem headlong.
    Secondly, a proper documentation mechanism to monitor and evaluate the figures of barrels of crude oil Nigeria explore and volume sold as export or locally refined.
    Thirdly, due to decayed in the country’s pipeline network. The introduction of technology such as Robotic Al, digital satelite,drone technology, and other electronic monitoring gadget would help a lots. Such initiatives although suggested in the past was jetison on the excuse to award pipelines security contracts to repentant militants must not be entertain.Moreso as technology would mitigate pipeline vandals and deter sabotages against critical oil infrastructures.
    Fourthly, the government official saddle with the resposibility of catching oil theives.For us must be people with integrity that are not ready to compromise. And for this to work,they must be subject to integrity test,sign up to code of conduct and as well as go through EFCC,NSA and DSS scrutiny.
    Lastly, the problem in the International oil market also compound the woes of crude oil theft. Arguably, how much of advocacy is been done to stop crude oil theft is very crucial. Hence, it is trus that the reason Nigeria cannot meet its crude oil production quota and benefit from high oil prices is due to theft. And for us we believe that the Nigerian state has a responsibility to lead this campaign going forward.
    Nonetheless, as the title of this polemic stresss it very difficuit to convince Nigerians that truely oil thieves exist. Although,it could be a mythology and mythic equally. Poignantly, the sector bleed.

  • Troops arrest oil thieves, destroys illegal refineries in SS, SW

    Troops arrest oil thieves, destroys illegal refineries in SS, SW

    The Defence Headquarters says the military troops have sustained aggressive fight against economic sabotage in the South-South and South-West zones leading to arrest of oil thieves and destruction of illegal refineries.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this while giving the weekly update on the operation of Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    Enenche said that the Nigerian Navy Pathfinder Ship under Operation Delta Safe had discovered and destroyed illegal refining site at Tuma Creek between Sept. 17 and Sept 23.

    He said that the site had four metal reservoirs and 60 jerricans of 25 litres laden with an estimated 320,000 litres of AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.

    The coordinator also disclosed that troops of 146 Battalion discovered and destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery containing unspecified quantity of petroleum products at Oputumbi in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He added that troops of 29 Battalion in conjunction with personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Labarador security workers destroyed two illegal refineries at Eleme-Tombia in Degema Local Government.

    According to him, Forward Operations Base Ibaka gunboats while on routine patrol around Mbo River on Sept. 21, intercepted and arrested two wooden boats laden with 112 drums of products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit with four suspects.

    “Suspects and items recovered from the arrest are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant agencies.

    “Also, troops of Sector 3 Operation Delta Safe in conjunction with Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided a criminal hideout around Trailer Park in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers and arrested 5 suspected drug dealers.

    “FOB ESCRAVOS while on clearance operation discovered a reactivated illegal refining site at Ugborodo/Banga Creek phase IV Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

    “The site had 16 ovens, 26 storage tanks, 10 gas cylinders and 21 dugout pits.

    “Cumulatively, about 345,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1,572.3 barrels of stolen crude oil were recovered,” he said.

    Enenche said that the patrol team also destroyed another reactivated site with 14 active ovens and 22 storage metal tanks laden with about 660.4 barrels of crude and 275,000 litres of AGO at Jones Creek in Warri South West.

    In the South West zone, Enenche said the troops of Operation AWATSE also intensified the fight against pipeline vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements.

    He said the troops of 174 Battalion arrested six suspected gunrunners in possession of 3,560 rounds of ammunition at scrap centre in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    According to him, troops also destroyed 350 litres of PMS stored in containers at Igbologun in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    He added that troops of 343 Artillery Regiment in conjunction with police and DSS personnel arrested eight persons with arms at Ifon community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    According to him, the Armed Forces and other security agencies are determined to curtail the activities of insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements in the country.

    “The Military High Command commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their dexterity.

    “Troops are further encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in securing the country.

    “Members of the general public are requested to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies for prompt action,” he said.

    RELATED POSTS:

    IGP tasks Petroleum, Illegal Bunkering Taskforce on firmness