The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has raised an alarm over the illegal petroleum lifting operations taking place at Bonny River Terminal.
This was contained in letter written by the NMDPRA to the Chief of Defence Staff, titled ‘Economic Sabotage Criminal Damage and Theft Through Illegal Petroleum Lifting Operation at Bonny River Terminal’ dated June 8 2023 seen by BusinessDay.
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“The vessel Barumk Gas is lifting Butane at Bonny River Terminal without the authorisation or participation of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority which is the agency of Government statutorily responsible for regulating operations at the Terminal,” it stated.
The regulator revealed that this action is being facilitated with the active connivance of Exxon Mobil who have 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,” it stated.
NMDPRA asked the chief of defence staff to urgently prevent the sailing out of Barumk Gas until investigations into the matter are concluded.
Exxon Mobil in response simply reiterated that all operations of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture are carried out in full compliance with the law.
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