The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the allocation of Pre-Shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs) to crude oil and gas terminals, accompanied by the assignment of Monitoring and Evaluation Agents (MEAs) to oversee their operations. This strategic move, effective immediately, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability within Nigeria's crucial oil and gas export sector.
Revised Terminal Allocations: A New Order
In a statement issued by the CBN's Trade and Exchange Department, the bank unveiled a revised distribution of terminals to PIAs, superseding all previous allocations. The new assignments are as follows:
- Neroh Technologies Ltd: Nembe Terminal
- Holborn Oil and Gas International Ltd: Isan, Enna, and Yoho Terminals
- Swede Control Intertek Ltd: Ima (Otahihvo), ERHA, and Aarca Terminals
- Felton Energy & Investment Ltd: Tunu, Antan, and Odudu Terminals
- JBIS Integrated Resources Ltd: Avbam, Bonza, Ohoro, Akpo, Usan, and Forcados Terminals
- Patibon Services Ltd: Ebok, Oso, Pennington, Okhworn, and E.A. Terminals
- Offshore Bulk Inspection Co. Ltd: Escravos, Brass, Anyala-Madu, Qua-Iboe, and Owuwu Terminals
- Candid Oil Ltd: Uso Ocha, Abo, Agbami, Ohono, Balema, Bonny, and Ukpokiti Terminals
- Dakee Engineering & Construction Ltd (Gas): LNG and Forcados Terminals
Strengthened Oversight: Assignment of Monitoring Agents
To ensure stringent oversight of the PIAs' operations, the CBN has also assigned specific Monitoring and Evaluation Agents (MEAs) to monitor their activities.
- Arlington Securitas Nigeria Ltd: Responsible for supervising JBIS Integrated Resources Ltd, Offshore Bulk Inspection Co. Ltd, Holborn Oil & Gas International Ltd, Candid Oil Ltd, and Dakee Engineering & Construction Ltd (Gas).
- DV Howells Nigeria Ltd: Responsible for monitoring Felton Energy & Investment Ltd, Swede Control Intertek Ltd, Patibon Services Ltd, and Neroh Technologies Ltd.
Government's Commitment and Stakeholder Compliance
The CBN's directive, signed by A.A. Mahdi on behalf of the director of the Trade and Exchange Department, emphasizes the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in crude oil and gas exports. The bank has called upon all stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), regulatory agencies, oil and gas companies, and terminal operators, to ensure strict compliance with the revised allocations.
The immediate implementation of this new structure is crucial for streamlining operations and maintaining rigorous oversight within Nigeria's oil and gas export sector. The CBN's proactive measures are expected to contribute significantly to the sector's efficiency and integrity.