Again, FG Outlaws Midstream Discharge Of Oil and Gas Cargoes

The Federal Government has again outlawed midstream discharge of oil and gas cargoe, especially at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
This directive was given last weekend by President Goodluck Jonathan at  the closing ceremony of a two-day oil and gas investment forum in Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
President Jonathan, who was represented by the Senate President, David Mark, gave assurance of continuous support for an investment drive in the oil and gas sector and positive returns on investments..

The Federal Government has again outlawed midstream discharge of oil and gas cargoe, especially at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
This directive was given last weekend by President Goodluck Jonathan at  the closing ceremony of a two-day oil and gas investment forum in Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
President Jonathan, who was represented by the Senate President, David Mark, gave assurance of continuous support for an investment drive in the oil and gas sector and positive returns on investments..
“To this end, I am calling on all relevant industries to ensure that all oil and gas related cargo are discharged only at the designated terminals,” he said.
The President directed that the agencies concerned should also ensure strict enforcement on the ban on the illegal discharge of cargo and receiving of vessels at private jetties.
He said that steps should be taken to guard against the breach of national security and loss of revenue to the government.
Jonathan said the choice of the Onne oil and gas Free Trade Zone was strategic, as it will showcase the investors' confidence in the Nigerian economy as “seeing is believing''.
According to him, government generated revenue in the zone has increased from $5.4 billion to $7.1 billion in 2013 and the FDI from $4 billion to $4.2 billion dollars in 2013.
“Available statistics indicate that the companies operating in the free zone have increased from 150 in 2011 to 170 in 2013, employment regeneration has increased from 30,000 in 2011 to 34,000 in 2013.
“Support to family livelihood has grown from 180,000 in 2011 to 200,000 in 2013. If these indices are not indicating an attractive environment for investors, I wonder what else they are,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said the Oil and Gas Free Zone (OGFTZ) would continue to be a catalyst for the diversification of the economy.
“The oil and gas industry remains the prime mover of Nigeria’s economy, while the OGFTZ  concept continues to be strategic in the facilitation of private sector investments in the sector.''
On the rampant cases of pipeline vandalism and oil theft, the President disclosed that government  is exploring the possibility of using an electronic pipeline surveillance to track oil theft in the country.
Jonathan described the menace of oil theft as worrisome, stressing, however, that government was ready to tackle it headlong.
“Relevant regulatory agencies are working round the clock to combat the challenge, considering the strategic position of oil and gas in the economy.
“My administration has embarked on a number of far-reaching measures to combat these unwholesome activities. Government is exploring the possibility of using electronic pipeline surveillance to track down oil theft”, he stressed.