July 20, 2015 – President Muhammed Buhari has outlawed 113 vessels from loading and operating in Nigerian waters.
The order to outlaw the vessels was contained in memo dated July 15, 2015 addressed to all terminal operators in Nigeria.
The memo which was signed by Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, was entitled “List of Prohibited Crude Oil Vessels”.
“I am directed to convey to you the directive of Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, regarding prohibition of some crude oil vessels”, the memo noted.
According to the memo, all affected vessels are prohibited until further notice. No reason was given for the directive, but there are indications that the ban may be connected to incidents of oil theft by large ocean vessels in Nigerian waters.
The memo also directed security agencies, the Nigerian Navy and Customs to effect the order with immediate effect.
