The house of representatives has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to shut down illegal loan platforms used by criminal gangs running the “one-chance” robberies in Abuja.

“One chance” is a type of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles whose occupants are robbers.

Moving a motion of urgent public importance during the plenary session on Wednesday, Billy Osawaru, a lawmaker from Edo, said criminals often use loan applications to extort money from their victims.

He said victims of the robberies are usually coerced into using their details to apply for loans, with the money subsequently transferred to the criminals’ accounts.

Osawaru said the perpetrators evade detection despite the mandatory use of the bank verification number (BVN) and other identification systems due to the lack of coordination between security agencies and banks.

The lawmaker said the use of loan apps complicates efforts to track the criminals, adding that security officials should be swift to take action.

The house passed the resolution after the adoption of the motion and mandated the police, banks, and fintech operators, such as Opay and MoniePoint, to prioritise cases involving the “one chance” and kidnappings.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has partnered with Neptune Oil, a Cameroonian energy firm, for its first export of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to Cameroon.

In a statement on Wednesday, the refinery said the feat highlights both organisations’ dedication to addressing the region’s rising energy needs.

“In a landmark move for regional energy integration, Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, to Cameroon,” the statement reads.

“This milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demands.”

According to the statement, the partnership between the oil firms “does not end with this first export”.

“Both companies are exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain that will help stabilize fuel prices and create new economic opportunities across the region,” Dangote refinery said.

For Nigeria, according to the refinery, the export showcases its ability to meet domestic needs and position itself as a key player in the regional energy market.

“It represents a significant step forward in accessing high-quality and locally sourced petroleum products for Cameroon,” the company said.

Speaking on the milestone, Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote Group, said the facility’s first petrol export to Cameroon is a practical demonstration of its vision for a united and energy-independent Africa.

“With this development, we are laying the foundation for a future where African resources are refined and exchanged within the continent for the benefit of our people,” he said.

On his part, Antoine Ndzengue, director and owner of Neptune Oil, said the partnership with Dangote refinery signifies a turning point for Cameroon.

“By becoming the first importer of petroleum products from this world-class refinery, we are bolstering our country’s energy security and supporting local economic development,” he said.

“This initial supply, executed without international intermediaries, reflects our commitment to serving our markets independently and efficiently.”

Last month, the refinery commenced petrol export to West Africa.

Seplat Energy Plc says its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) from ExxonMobil will be completed on December 12, with a final consideration of $800 million.

On October 21, Gbenga Komolafe, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), announced approval of the deal by the federal government.

In a statement, Seplat Energy announced the publishing of the prospectus in relation to the acquisition.

The energy firm said the publication followed receipt of approval from the financial conduct authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom (UK).

“The transaction, which is expected to complete on 12 December 2024 is transformative for Seplat Energy, more than doubling production to around 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and providing the Company with a significant opportunity to further drive its growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy,” the statement reads.

“These assets are of proven quality, located in one of the world’s leading hydrocarbon basins.”

According to the statement, Seplat Energy’s $800 million MPNU acquisition includes $672 million final cash consideration payable to ExxonMobil at closing, and $128 million deposit paid in 2022 at first sale and purchase agreement (SPA) signing.

The energy firm said the payment also comprises deferred payment of $257.5 million due by December 2025 to cover decommissioning and joint venture (JV) costs, “with no new equity issuance required”.

Seplat said the deal is fully funded from available cash and debt facilities, and no new equity issuance required.

The company said the transaction would increase Seplat’s pro forma 2P reserves by 86 percent to 887 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe).

Pro forma 2P oil and gas refers to the sum of a company’s proven and probable oil reserves.

Seplat said the transaction would also boost production by 148 percent to 119,800 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd); increase revenue by 245 percent to $1.456 billion; and grow adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) by 199 percent to $800 million.

“The enlarged company has equity in 11 blocks in onshore and shallow water Nigeria, 48 producing oil & gas fields, 5 gas processing facilities, and 3 export terminals,” Seplat said.

“The company has license portfolio with multiple high-potential investment opportunities to drive growth

“It has short term oil gain (STOG) activities focused on well stock and facilities and multiple in-fill and exploration drilling locations.”