The Alarming Issue of Illegal Oil Bunkering in Nigeria: Unveiling Allegations Against Prominent Figures
TINUBU, WIFE, GETS ALMOST $20MILLION MONTHLY FROM ILLEGAL OIL BUNKERING FROM INDIAN FUGITIVES
Aside acquiring four oil blocks from Agip Nigeria, using Oando Plc as front, Bola Tinubu, his wife, Remi, are alleged to have been receiving nearly $20million monthly from illegal sales of 1.2million barrels of Nigeria’s crude oil valued at $97.2million, using $81 per barrel, sold in India and some parts of Europe.
Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, is also alleged to have cut some deals in the oil smuggling business too.
Oil industry Informants said the first family are using Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, the two Indian fugitive brothers who own Sterling Oil and Energy Exploration and Sterling Global Oil Resources Limited to perpetrate illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, using the Very Large Crude Carrier, VLCC, Vessel belonging to the Sterling Oil Group.
The VLCC, Tulja Kalyani IMO: 9206035, a 21years old and sailing under the Nigerian flag with a capacity to load about 2million barrels of crude, belonging to the Sterling Group, is one of the vessels used to move Nigerian crudes.
According to sources, on a monthly basis, about 20 shuttle boats with 5k capacity are used to move 2million barrels of crude oil from the Rigs in different states to where the VLCC is docked in Delta State and only 800k officially declared in the scheme carried out by Sterling oil Group and Government officials.
Once it is filled to capacity, the vessel departs to India or any part of Europe, while officials from the NNPC are sent ahead to the destination of the vessel to only confirm the arrival of 800 barrels, hiding 1.2million barrels.
At the current market price of N81 per barrel, it means the 2million barrels should earn Nigeria about $164million monthly.
Oil insiders who are in the know of the deal said while 800k barrels are sold at the current market value of $81 per barrel, amounting to $64.8million, the unaccounted balance of 1.2million barrels is then sold for about $97.2million and $19.4million, representing 20% of it, and allegedly given to Tinubu and his wife monthly.
Sterling Group, Sterling Global Oil Exploration have been linked to illegal oil bunkering for many years now from the OML 146 Agu Flow Station, Imo state, through the Ndimi Jetty Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Govt area of Rivers State and in Akwa Ibom and Cross River where they have lucrative oil fields. The @FBI, @CIA and the @StateDept should launch an immediate investigations into the offshore activities of the Indian brothers especially under Tinubu’s Govt.
Recently, the Nigerian Senate said between January to date, N2.3trillion has been lost to illegal bunkering/oil theft” investigative journalist @jacksonpbn stated.
The alleged involvement of prominent figures, including Bola Tinubu and his family, in illegal oil bunkering raises significant concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s oil industry. The exploitation of offshore activities by Indian fugitive brothers adds another layer of complexity to this issue. This thesis aims to delve into the intricate details of these allegations and explore potential solutions, with a focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance oversight and accountability.
**Article: Unraveling Illegal Oil Bunkering: AI Solutions for Enhanced Oversight**
The recent allegations surrounding Bola Tinubu and his family’s involvement in illegal oil bunkering underscore the pressing need for robust solutions to address corruption and illicit activities within Nigeria’s oil industry. As we navigate this complex issue, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a pivotal role in enhancing oversight and accountability.
**1. AI-Powered Surveillance Systems:**
Implementing AI-powered surveillance systems along Nigeria’s coastline and oil facilities can significantly bolster monitoring efforts. Advanced cameras and sensors equipped with AI algorithms can detect suspicious activities, unauthorized vessels, and irregularities in oil shipments. This proactive approach allows authorities to intervene promptly, preventing illegal oil bunkering operations.
**2. Blockchain for Transparent Transactions:**
Blockchain technology can revolutionize the transparency of oil transactions. By recording each step of the supply chain on an immutable ledger, from oil extraction to export, it becomes virtually impossible to manipulate or conceal crucial information. This transparency not only deters illicit activities but also ensures that the revenue generated from oil exports reaches the rightful stakeholders.
**3. AI-Driven Predictive Analytics:**
AI-driven predictive analytics can identify patterns and anomalies in oil production and transportation. By analyzing historical data, AI algorithms can pinpoint potential areas of illegal activities and predict future occurrences. This proactive approach enables authorities to allocate resources effectively and target interventions in high-risk regions.
**4. Collaboration with International Agencies:**
Given the transnational nature of the alleged illegal oil bunkering involving Indian fugitives, collaboration with international agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and State Department becomes paramount. Sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts on a global scale can facilitate thorough investigations and bring those involved to justice.
**5. Whistleblower Protection Programs:**
Encouraging and protecting whistleblowers is crucial in unveiling corruption within the oil industry. AI-powered systems can help anonymize whistleblower identities and provide secure channels for reporting. This fosters a culture of accountability and discourages individuals from engaging in or supporting illegal activities.
In conclusion, combating illegal oil bunkering requires a multi-faceted approach, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence emerges as a key component in this endeavor. By harnessing the power of AI for surveillance, transparency, predictive analytics, and international collaboration, Nigeria can strive towards a more accountable and secure oil industry. It is imperative for the government to take decisive actions and embrace innovative technologies to safeguard the nation’s vital resources.
