By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The export of crude oil from the Forcados terminal in the restive Niger Delta by the Royal Dutch Shell has commenced.
The terminal was attacked by militants in the region, which forced it to be shut down for repairs.
“The Shell Director, Mr Andrew Brown, informed the President of the resumption of oil exportation through the Forcados terminal following its restoration,” the presidency said after a meeting between Brown and President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, Shell spokesman has refused to confirm or deny this.
“Brown commended the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari administration as well as the efforts to streamline and stabilise the economy for long term projects, saying all the efforts will go a long way to reinforce Shell investment plans in Nigeria,” the presidency said in a statement.
Forcados crude has been under force majeure from operator Shell since a militant attack on the subsea pipeline in February, part of a wave against oil facilities in the Delta.
Forcados exports were between 250,000 and 300,000 barrels per day prior to the strike claimed by a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers.
Adedapo Adesanya