Nigeria accuses Shell of crude oil theft, demand $406mn

The Nigerian government is demanding $406.7 million from the Shell Petroleum Development Company and its subsidiary Shell Western Supply & Trading Limited for alleged crude oil theft. The government claims that this amount represents the shortfall in the money paid by the oil firm to the Nigerian government for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014. Dolapo Oni, Head of Research at Ecobank Nigeria, shed light on the issue during an interview with CNBC Africa. The accusation has unveiled the existence of potential loopholes and challenges in the Nigerian oil industry. Oni explained that one common way such discrepancies occur is through under-declaration. When oil is lifted from terminals tied to onshore fields or directly from offshore fields, metering systems are supposed to accurately measure the volume loaded. However, issues with metering have long plagued the industry, providing opportunities for companies to under-declare the actual volume loaded. Oni highlighted that faulty meters are a significant problem, with some needing replacement due to age and inaccuracies. The discussion also touched upon the responsibility for inaccurate meter readings. While it is partly the responsibility of the companies, government officials from agencies like the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian Ports Authority should also verify the volume loaded before authorizing the ship's departure. Oni emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring accurate measurements and preventing oil theft. The allegations against Shell raise concerns about the overall regulatory environment in the Nigerian oil industry. Oni pointed out that similar issues have been observed with other oil companies, indicating a systemic problem that needs to be addressed. Shell's case, in particular, is significant as the government has specified detailed accusations regarding specific vessels and over-declared amounts. The severity of the allegations suggests that Shell will face challenges in defending its position. Amidst the accusations and demands for payment, Oni mentioned the potential impact on future investments in the oil and gas sector. While the situation presents a double-edged sword for the government, it also provides leverage in negotiations with oil companies for future projects. By addressing existing loopholes and demonstrating a commitment to transparency, Nigeria can strengthen its position in negotiations and attract more investment in the industry. The ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector aim to enhance transparency and accountability, which is crucial in preventing similar incidents of crude oil theft. By utilizing advanced technologies for monitoring and metering, Nigeria can emulate examples like Saudi Aramco to ensure accurate tracking of oil production and exports. The focus on technology upgrades and regulatory improvements will be essential in closing existing loopholes and combating oil theft. Looking ahead, OPEC producers are gearing up for an informal meeting in Istanbul to discuss strategies for stabilizing oil prices. Oni highlighted the importance of working out modalities and agreements to avoid discrepancies and ensure a smooth official meeting in November. The meeting aims to finalize details on production quotas, exemptions, and compliance measures to streamline OPEC's efforts in managing global oil supply and demand. As Nigeria continues to address the challenges in its oil industry, the allegations against Shell underscore the need for enhanced oversight, transparency, and regulatory measures to safeguard the country's valuable crude oil resources. The outcome of the case will not only impact Shell but also set a precedent for holding oil companies accountable and fortifying Nigeria's position in the global energy market.