Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector and operator of the NNPC/Aiteo Joint Venture on OML 29, has abruptly ended all security surveillance contracts with Amotoi Global Services Limited and its promoter, Barrister Clement Amunaboye. The decision extends to other security contracts with Obiene M Obiene, also known as “Organiser,” Thomas Livingstone, and Christophere Ezekiel Enu.
Aiteo announced the terminations in a statement on Monday, citing massive crude theft, high fraud, and other criminal activities as reasons for the action. The company stressed that these individuals and entities had severely compromised its operations.
Aiteo’s statement emphasized the immediate and decisive termination of all security surveillance or contractual arrangements with the named parties. The company declared that any further dealings with these entities or individuals, ostensibly on its behalf, are disclaimed.
“For years, our company and its stakeholders have borne the worst impact of crude theft, facilities vandalization, and crude trafficking,” said AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo. “These activities have resulted in huge financial losses and severe disruptions to our operations. It is particularly galling to discover that the very entities or individuals who were supposed to secure our facilities and output have undermined us.”
The full text of Aiteo’s statement reads:
AITEO EASTERN EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY LIMITED TERMINATES ALL CONTRACTS WITH AMOTOI GLOBAL SERVICES AND OTHER SURVEILLANCE SECURITY PROVIDERS
Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), the operator of the NNPC / Aiteo Joint Venture on OML 29, wishes to notify the public and, in particular, all relevant regulatory and government authorities within the oil and gas industry, all law enforcement and security agencies, and all relevant third parties associated with the security of its operating installations and infrastructure, that it has terminated, forthwith and with immediate effect, any security surveillance or contractual arrangements it hitherto had with the following:
- Barrister Clement Amunaboye (trading under the name and style of Amotoi Global Services Ltd)
- Obiene M Obiene (also known as “Organiser”)
- Thomas Livingstone
- Christophere Ezekiel Enu
These developments follow confirmation of damaging activities that have compromised our operations, constituting grave safety violations, high fraud, criminal activity, gross negligence, and unacceptable exposure of our assets and business. Accordingly, any/all relationships or transactions with them, whether jointly or severally, purportedly on our behalf, cease immediately. Any further involvement with these entities or individuals ostensibly pertaining to our company is hereby disclaimed.
The statement from Okoronkwo emphasizes the extent of the problem that producers like Aiteo are facing and calls for immediate corrective actions. He said, ‘This shows the depth of the decay and the seriousness of the challenges that producers like us are dealing with, and it calls for urgent and comprehensive implementation of corrective measures.’
Aiteo’s actions highlight the significant challenges that the Nigerian oil industry is grappling with, including crude theft and vandalism, which have been longstanding issues in the sector. These problems have led to substantial financial losses and operational disruptions for companies operating in the region.
Aiteo’s decisive action aims to mitigate these risks and safeguard its operations and assets. The company is calling on regulatory and security agencies to intensify their efforts to combat these criminal activities and protect the nation’s vital oil infrastructure.
The termination of these contracts sends a strong message to other security contractors and stakeholders in the industry about the importance of integrity and accountability. It also highlights the need for robust security measures to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the smooth operation of oil production activities.
As Aiteo moves forward, the company is expected to implement more stringent security protocols and engage more reliable security partners to prevent future occurrences of such compromising activities. The oil and gas industry in Nigeria remains a vital component of the nation’s economy, and ensuring its security is paramount for sustained growth and stability.
By addressing these challenges head-on, Aiteo aims to restore confidence in its operations and contribute to the overall stability of Nigeria’s oil industry. The company’s commitment to tackling crude theft and fraud demonstrates its dedication to maintaining high standards of integrity and operational excellence.
