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Economy

Fishermen Beg Buhari Over Unpaid $3.6bn Oil Spill Fines

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Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria ARFAN

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria (ARFAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in compensation owed its members for the 2011 Bonga oil spill incident.

The association wants the President to compel Shell Nigeria Exploration and Exploration Company (SNEPCo) to pay the compensation fine imposed on it by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) for the spill which occurred more than 10 years ago.

The group recalled that the Bonga offshore oil field, operated by SNEPCo, discharged 40,000 barrels of crude oil into the Niger Delta coastline of the Atlantic Ocean in 2011, forcing fishermen in the region to abandon the area.

At its 2022 Review and Agenda Setting meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, ARFAN decried the delay in getting justice on the impact of the 2011 Bonga spill from SNEPCo facility, lamenting that the incident had crippled the business of thousands of fishermen in the region.

The coordinator of the group, Mr Samuel Ayadi, who read the communique of the meeting urged President Buhari to prevail on SNEPCo to comply with the verdict of the regulators and courts to rekindle the hope of the fishermen and the society.

The communique signed by representatives of the group from the impacted states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo and Rivers, urged the Federal Government to give a listening ear to the plight of the impacted people.

Mr Ayadi noted that following the order by the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency to fishermen to pull out of fishing to avoid catching contaminated fish, the oil firm refused to show empathy or indemnify their loss.

“This hardship which has led to the untimely death of many of the members of the Association is as a result of the attitude of Shell towards the victims.

“That Shell never empathised with the victims even during the height of the spill impacts.

“Even when it had been determined through a Post Impact Assessment that the spill was as a result of operational failures and an estimated 40,000 barrels of crude oil had been pumped into the waters, operational fields of the fishermen/women.

“That the present Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has given the Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria victims of the Shell Bonga Oil Spill the most listening ears.

“That the struggles for justice and faith in a peaceful and lawful resolution of the issues of the spill coupled with the fatherly disposition of Mr President provided the opportunity for NOSDRA to pronounce fines and awards against Shell to the tune of $3.6 billion.

“That the Parliamentary approval of the fines/awards and the litigations and their outcomes are considered SNEPCO for the benefit of the victims of the spill and all other impacted stakeholders.

“ARFAN is still hopeful that Mr President in his reputed commitment to justice, sympathy for the downtrodden, voiceless and needy, shall disentangle all impediments and cause the implementation of our plea for immediate restitution/compensation,”.

For context, NOSDRA had imposed a fine on SNEPCO for discharging 40,000 barrels of crude into the Atlantic Ocean on December 20, 2011.

The fine comprised $1.8billion as compensation for the damages done to natural resources and consequential loss of income by the affected shoreline communities as well as punitive damage of $1.8billion totalling $3.6 billion.

However, SNEPCo instituted a legal action against NOSDRA challenging the imposition of the $3.6 billion fine on them at the Federal High Court in Lagos, of which the judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on June 20, 2018, dismissed the suit against Shell.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Economy

President Tinubu Signs 2025 Budget into Law

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Tinubu sign 2025 budget

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law.

The budget is almost a 100 per cent increase from the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion.

The bill was approved by the National Assembly on February 13, after revisions to President Tinubu’s initial budget proposal of N49.7 trillion.

The key breakdown of the 2025 budget includes a total expenditure of N54.99 trillion, statutory transfers of N3.65 trillion, and a recurrent (non-debt) expenditure of N13.64 trillion.

Initially, President Tinubu proposed a N49.7 trillion budget for 2025. However, following additional revenue projections from key government agencies, the proposed figure was revised upward to N54.2 trillion on February 5, 2024.

The final approved budget then stood at N54.99 trillion after deliberations in the National Assembly.

According to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the increase was justified by new revenue inflows from key agencies, which are expected to strengthen the fiscal framework for 2025.

The budget aims to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and address fiscal challenges, despite concerns about Nigeria’s rising debt profile.

The breakdown of the 2025 budget is thus: total expenditure: N54.99 trillion; statutory transfers: N3.65 trillion; recurrent (non-debt) expenditure: N13.64 trillion; capital expenditure: N23.96 trillion; debt servicing: N14.32 trillion; fiscal deficit: N13.08 trillion; and deficit-to-GDP Ratio: 1.52 per cent.

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Economy

NUPRC Affirms Commitment to Implementing Domestic Crude Supply Obligation

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crude oil 1.27 million barrels per day

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO).

The DCSO is a key policy aimed at ensuring domestic energy security in Nigeria.

The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) empowers NUPRC to impose the DCSO on upstream operators, licensees and lessees with the power to mandate the allocation of a specified percentage of their produced crude oil and condensate for sale in the domestic market.

The latest resolution followed a high-level meeting between the Commission’s Chief Executive, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, and representatives of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)

The discussions focused on addressing industry concerns and ensuring the seamless enforcement of the DCSO.

NUPRC’s resolve to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation is aimed at addressing the current challenges of availability of feedstock for local refiners.

Due to several obligations and issues around production challenges, it is providing difficulties for local refiners to get the needed feedstock at a time when Nigeria is looking to cut imports.

Mr Komolafe emphasized the importance of upholding the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, 2021 and maintaining regulatory clarity.

He noted that the DCSO regulation, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, provides clear guidelines under Section 109 of the PIA.

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Economy

Understanding Slippage in Crypto Exchanges and How Swapzone Helps Reduce It

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Swapzone

Introduction

Slippage is a common concern for crypto traders who use the best crypto exchange, especially during periods of high market volatility. It can lead to unexpected price changes between the time a trade is initiated and when it is executed. Understanding slippage and how to minimize it is crucial for optimizing trading outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore what slippage is, its causes, and how Swapzone’s advanced aggregation system helps reduce it for a smoother trading experience and crypto swap.

What Is Slippage in Crypto Trading?

Slippage refers to the difference between the expected price of a cryptocurrency trade and the actual price at which the trade is executed. It typically occurs when market conditions change rapidly, leading to discrepancies in pricing. Slippage can be either positive or negative:

  • Positive Slippage: The executed price is better than the expected price, resulting in more favorable trade outcomes.
  • Negative Slippage: The executed price is worse than the expected price, leading to potential financial loss.

Causes of Slippage in Crypto Exchanges

Several factors contribute to slippage in cryptocurrency markets:

1. Market Volatility

Crypto markets are known for their rapid price fluctuations. High volatility increases the likelihood that the price will change between the time a trade is placed and when it is executed.

2. Liquidity Levels

Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price. Lower liquidity, especially for less common tokens, can cause larger slippage due to fewer matching orders in the order book.

3. Large Trade Sizes

Executing large orders may consume multiple price levels in the order book, resulting in slippage. This is particularly common on smaller exchanges with limited order book depth.

4. Execution Speed

Delays in trade execution, whether due to network congestion or slow processing times, can lead to price differences and increased slippage.

How Swapzone Helps Reduce Slippage

Swapzone’s cryptocurrency aggregation model is designed to minimize slippage by leveraging advanced technology and broad market access. Here’s how Swapzone helps users reduce slippage:

1. Real-Time Rate Comparison

Swapzone continuously collects real-time data from over 20 exchange partners, allowing users to access the most up-to-date rates. This minimizes the risk of price discrepancies during trade execution.

2. Access to Multiple Liquidity Pools

By aggregating offers from both centralized and decentralized exchanges, Swapzone taps into a vast network of liquidity. This reduces the chances of encountering slippage, even for large trades.

3. Smart Order Routing

Swapzone’s algorithm automatically identifies the best route for each trade, optimizing execution across multiple providers. This ensures users receive the most favorable rates with minimal price impact.

4. Transparent Pricing

Swapzone displays all fees and costs upfront, allowing users to make informed decisions. Clear and transparent pricing reduces uncertainty and the risk of hidden slippage.

5. Customizable Options

Users can choose between the best rate or fastest execution options. This flexibility allows traders to prioritize speed or price efficiency based on their needs, further minimizing slippage risks.

Tips to Minimize Slippage When Using Swapzone

In addition to Swapzone’s advanced technology, users can take additional steps to reduce slippage:

  • Monitor Market Conditions: Trade during periods of lower volatility to avoid sudden price movements.
  • Split Large Trades: Divide large transactions into smaller orders to prevent significant price impact.
  • Use the Best Rate Option: Select the best rate offer on Swapzone to secure the most competitive pricing.

Conclusion

Slippage is a critical factor to consider when trading cryptocurrencies, but with the right tools, it can be effectively minimized. Swapzone’s real-time data collection, smart order routing, and access to multiple liquidity sources provide a reliable solution for reducing slippage. By leveraging Swapzone’s capabilities and applying best practices, users can execute more accurate and cost-effective crypto swaps with confidence.

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