The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has accused ExxonMobil of illegally lifting petroleum products in Rivers State. The agency alleges that ExxonMobil collaborated with a vessel, Barumk Gas, to lift Butane at the Bonny River Terminal without authorization.
The NMDPRA says that the illegal lifting of Butane is a serious economic sabotage and criminal damage to Nigeria's national resources. The agency has called on the Chief of Defence Staff to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
ExxonMobil has denied the allegations, saying that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations in Nigeria. The company says that it is committed to working with the NMDPRA to resolve the matter.
The allegations against ExxonMobil come at a time when Nigeria is facing a growing problem with oil theft. According to the NMDPRA, oil theft cost Nigeria an estimated $1.2 billion in 2022.
The government has taken a number of steps to combat oil theft, including increasing security patrols and deploying technology to track illegal activity. However, the problem persists, and it is estimated that Nigeria loses up to 10% of its oil production to theft each year.
The allegations against ExxonMobil are a serious blow to the company's reputation in Nigeria. The company has been operating in Nigeria for over 60 years, and it is one of the largest oil producers in the country. If the allegations are true, it could have serious implications for ExxonMobil's business in Nigeria.
The case is still under investigation, and it is not yet clear what the outcome will be. However, the allegations against ExxonMobil have raised serious questions about the company's compliance with the law in Nigeria.
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