NNPC lifts embargo on 113 crude oil vessels; mandates off-takers to guarantee legitimacy of vessels
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Thursday, announced the lifting of the embargo earlier placed on some 113 vessels banning them from engaging in crude oil and gas loading activities in any of the terminals within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The NNPC, however, explained, in a press statement signed by Mr. Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, that the lifting of the ban is subject to the receipt of Letters of Comfort from all Terminal Operators, Oil Companies and Off-takers of Nigerian Oil and Gas as guarantee that nominated vessels, pending the outcome of detailed investigation, are unencumbered and would not be utilized for any illegal activity whatsoever.
“The corporation noted that in view of the above, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of an Inter-Agency Committee made up of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR and the NNPC with the mandate to collect data and investigate the activities of the banned vessels within Nigerian territorial waters.
“The Inter-Agency Committee will appraise the culpability or otherwise of each of the vessels in the time past and advise appropriately,’’ the NNPC stated.
