Business
Oil vessel intercepted on Ondo coastline was heading to Cameroon, says NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says the 800,000-litre vessel intercepted on the coastline of Ondo state was Cameroon-bound.
Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC Ltd spokesperson, announced the development in a statement on Monday.
The joint military task force had intercepted a vessel laden with 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, which had been evading arrest.
Giving details of the arrest, Muhammad said the vessel has been in stealth mode for 12 years, making detection difficult.
“Following the receipt of credible intelligence, Tantita Security Services, a private security contractor engaged by NNPC Ltd, intercepted a suspicious vessel with a cargo of crude oil on board on July 7, 2023,” Muhammad said.
“The vessel, MT TURA II (IMO number: 6620462), owned by a Nigerian registered company, Holab Maritime Services Limited with registration number RC813311, was heading to Cameroun with the cargo on board when it was apprehended at an offshore location (latitude: 5.8197194477543235°, longitude: 4.789002723991871°), with the captain and crew members on board.”
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the crude oil cargo onboard was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore in Ondo.
“There was no valid documentation for the vessel or the crude oil cargo onboard at the time of the arrest,” the NNPC Ltd spokesperson said.
“Further investigation into the activities of the vessel at the NNPC Ltd command and control centre also revealed that the vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the last 12 years. The last reported location of the vessel was Tin Can Port in July 2011.
“Details of this arrest and the outcomes of the investigations were escalated to the appropriate government authorities, upon which it was concluded to destroy the vessel to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to all those participating in such illegal activities to cease and desist.
“Destroying vessels involved in transporting stolen crude oil is of paramount importance as a strong deterrent.
“The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only inflicts significant economic losses on Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil industry, but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.”
Muhammad assured that NNPC Ltd would sustain the momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt.
Business
Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
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