The United States federal government has leveled an accusation of oil theft against the multinational corporation ExxonMobil, which operates in Rivers State.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has suggested that the Vessel Barumk Gas be held for further investigation.
The federal government disclosed that it had discovered evidence that the vessel had been involved in the unauthorized lifting of butane at the Bonny River Terminal.
On Sunday, the press had access to a letter that was sent on June 8, 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor. The letter was addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff.
Ahmed claimed that ExxonMobil was conspiring with the owners of the vessels to steal oil and engage in economic sabotage.
“Economic sabotage, criminal damage, and theft through illegal petroleum lifting operations at Bonny River Terminal” is the title of the letter.
The NMDPRA reported to the military leader that the oil company had broken the lock that had been installed on the facility by the personnel of the agency in order to permit the illegal deed.
The illicit petroleum lifting operations that are going place at Bonny River Terminal have been brought to the immediate notice of the Chief of Defence Staff.
“Without the authorization or cooperation of the NMDPRA, the vessel Barumk Gas is currently lifting butane at the Bonny River Terminal.
The letter states that “this unlawful action is being facilitated with the active connivance of ExxonMobil who have illegally destroyed the locks on the sea-line valve whose keys are in the custody of the Authority.” “This unlawful action is being facilitated with the active connivance of ExxonMobil who have illegally destroyed the locks on the sea-line valve.”
Ahmed made the observation that the actions of ExxonMobil and Barumk Gas represent economic sabotage, criminal harm, and theft of Nigeria’s resources.
In the letter, the CDS was given instructions to “immediately prevent the sailing out of Barumk Gas until investigations into the matter are completed.”
In response to this, the Manager of Communications for Mobil, Oge Udeagha, stated that “all operations of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture are carried out in full compliance with the law.”