NUPRC States Position On Alleged Theft By ExxonMobil At Bonny Terminal

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC has cleared ExxonMobil of the accusation of illegal lifting of butane at the Bonny River Offshore Terminal (BRT) by ExxonMobil.

Reacting to media reports that quoted the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as the source of the allegation, the NUPRC said that to the contrary that ExxonMobil formally applied for the lifting and that its officials on ground certified the quantity and quality of butane lifted by the company.

Without as much as saying it directly, the NUPRC also dismissed the capacity of NMDPRA or any other agency to speak on issues at Nigeria’s oil terminals following the powers given to it by the Senate and the Muhammadu Buhari administration to regulate and monitor crude exports.

Reacting to the alleged theft by ExxonMobil, NUPRC speaking through its CEO, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, the agency said:

“It is important to state that Exxonmobil formally applied to NUPRC for approval of its operations as an integrated operation, in line with Sections 8(d) and 318 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. Following a careful evaluation of the request, NUPRC granted approval accordingly.

“Consequently, Exxonmobil applied and obtained necessary clearance from NUPRC for the lifting of 12,600 metric tonnes of Butane aboard a vessel named Barumk Gas on May 26, 2023. Barumk Gas berthed at the loading jetty at BRT on June 7, 2023. Loading operation commenced and ended on June 8, 2023; after which an official of NUPRC on site (at the BRT) issued Certificate of Quantity and Quality (CoQ), as statutorily required for the fulfillment of requirements of accurate hydrocarbon accounting, reporting and ability of the vessel to sail to its delivery destination. This is in line with global best practice

“NUPRC wishes to state categorically that the said operation was legitimate and in line with the statutory mandate of the Commission as the technical and commercial regulator of the petroleum upstream sector in Nigeria, as stipulated by law. The Commission is not aware of any illegality in the said transaction and none was committed by either ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliates or the NUPRC as an agency of Government.”

“We wish to assure industry players of regulatory certainty and commitment of NUPRC to discharging its responsibilities towards enhancing ease of doing business, facilitating investments, stability and predictability in the Nigerian upstream petroleum industry.”

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG