Here is a disturbing report from Nigerian Vanguards newspaper, I hesiated for a while if I should post it but later thought why not! It is an urgent topic that should be dealt with.


Angola: Oil Industry Shifts Focus to Angola

Vanguard (Lagos)

6 May 2008
Posted to the web 6 May 2008

Hector Igbikiowubo, With Agency Reports
Lagos

IF there were doubts about the shift in global oil industry focus on the new frontier for oil exploration and production on the African continent, the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas cleared the air when its opening session centred on Angola and not Nigeria fraught with oil shut-ins, kidnappings, arson and the activities of militant groups.

Perhaps the theme of this year's conference: "Waves of Change" underscores the shift in global oil industry focus on the African continent.

The morning session tagged "Delivering mega projects in West Africa" focussed on BP's Block 18 in Angola with panellists including: Matthew A. Forster, Engineering Manager Abu Dhabi, BP; Tony Oldfield, SURF Project Director Greater Plutonio, BP; John Peak, Greater Plutonio Subsurface Manager, BP Angola BU; Graeme Stewart, Director Project Execution, BP and Graham Stewart, Resource Development Manager, BP Angola BU.

Other sessions yesterday including "Toward low costs for high cost resources" and 'Managing risks in the offshore energy industry' had no Nigerian panellist or discussant.:ohno::ohno:

Meanwhile, indications are that at this year's conference as usual, Nigeria boasts of the largest contingent of exhibitors and conferees from any country.:cheers:

The annual Offshore Technology Conference is the largest gathering of oil and gas industry service providers and one of the most veritable means of reaching foreign investors.

Currently Nigeria's oil output capacity estimated at 2.5 million barrels per day is down to about 1.8 million barrels per day, while Angola's output stands at about 2 million barrels per day.

Coming at a time the Nigerian oil and gas industry is undergoing structural reforms, expectations are that a conscious effort would be made to showcase such efforts at this year's OTC.

The oil industry restructuring was supposed to have been effected in March 2008 but is currently running two months behind schedule and the delay in the restructuring has informed skepticism on the part of foreign investors.

The Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), had while speaking in Vienna, Austria at the last OPEC conference said the implementation committee report should be ready by the end of March and that it would be sent to the National Assembly for ratification.

However, some government officials who spoke with the media yesterday said the committee was yet to submit its report.

Mr. Emmanuel Ebogah, the Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, had in a statement last month said a progress report was submitted to the President last month.

Meanwhile, oil prices crossed $120 a barrel in New York yesterday following fresh attacks on oil facilities in Nigeria and rising tensions between the West and Iran.

New York's main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for June delivery, briefly hit $120.20, before slipping back at 1520 GMT to $120, a gain of $3.68 from the closing price on Friday.

In London, Brent crude for June delivery hit an intraday record high of $118.50 around 1515 GMT. It later traded up $3.24 at 117.80. Trading volume in London was light as Britain marked a bank holiday.

Oil rallied close to a record $120 a barrel last week on supply concerns linked to workers' strikes at a Scottish refinery and in Nigeria.

With the strikes resolved, crude prices were largely driven by movement in the US dollar, according to analysts.

"This stubborn oil bull just refuses to die," said Phil Flynn at Alaron Trading.

"Nigeria is the lingering hotspot the markets will be focussing on," said MF Global analyst Ed Meir.

"The news over the weekend has been mixed; ExxonMobil said it has restarted 300,000 barrels per day of Nigerian production out of total of 800,000 sidelined earlier, but there are reports of fresh violence, as another pipeline explosion has shut in more oil production," he added.:bash:

Fresh militant attacks in Nigeria, Africa's biggest producer, have forced oil major Shell to shut down more of its oil production.

Nigerian militants attacked an oil ship off the coast of the West African country and took two people hostage, a military spokesman said Sunday. Shell accounts for about one-half of Nigeria's 2.1 million barrels-per-day output.

"A few oil delivery lines are affected and some oil has spilled into the environment," a Shell spokesman said.


Prices also got support from tensions between Iran and the West.

Iran said yesterday it would reject any offer that violates its right to the full nuclear fuel cycle after world powers said they had prepared a new package to end the atomic crisis.

Oil players fear the ongoing tension could result in Iran - the second-biggest OPEC producer after Saudi Arabia -using oil as a bargaining chip.

Damn it is frustrating to read!!! Nigeria should be pumping close to 4 million barrels of oil a day by 2010. Nigeria has to work hard to find solutions to the Niger Delta crisis, so much money goes down the drains, money that is NEEDED!!!

Angola´s oil production rose considerably from 500 000 barrels of oil when the war ended to 2 million barrels of oil a day and new huge discoveries are made in Angola almost every month, sometimes more than one a month!

Nigeria has to get its act together in order to remain Africa´s No.1 producer!!

Militants Seek Role for Carter at N’Delta Summit

From Ahamefula Ogbu in Port Harcourt, 05.07.2008


Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday said that the end of militancy was in sight with the acceptance of former American President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, to mediate in the crisis if invited by the federal government and other stakeholders.
MEND said the peace process being mid-wifed by the federal government would come to naught.
The organisation has claimed responsibility for increased attacks on oil pipelines in the region because of its belief that the people were not benefiting from the riches that accrue from crude oil.
The Federal Government had planned a peace summit which the group described as a mere “jamboree” which would lead to evenutal total destruction of pipelines in the region.
However, the organisation also expressed its readiness “to call off all hostilities and hold a temporary ceasefire in honour of President Carter, should the Nigerian government accept the former President's initiative.”
MEND also threatened that “if as expected, the government fails to seize this new opportunity for peace, our actions will continue to speak volumes beyond the Nigerian shores”.
MEND said that Carter represents transparency, insisting that they will abide by the decisions reached in any parley chaired by the former American President.
The caveat, MEND said in a statement sent to THISDAY email, was that the Federal Government would allow Carter to meet with their leader, Mr. Henry Okah, who is currently being tried in Jos, Plateau State.
They also demanded the final outcome of the meeting with Carter should be fully implemented.
The militants claimed that they have received a confirmation of the willingness of Mr. Carter to mediate in the crisis through the Vice President of the Carter Foundation, Mr. John Stremlau, and pointed out that such a move would usher in lasting peace in the region.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has received today, May 6, 2008 a confirmation from The Carter Center through its Vice President, Mr. John Stremlau that the former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter has graciously accepted to mediate in the Niger Delta crisis on the condition that the Nigerian government and any other relevant stake holder invites him.
“We urge the Nigerian government to accept this olive branch offered by President Carter in place of the jamboree called the Niger Delta Summit scheduled for Abuja. We do not believe the Abuja summit will achieve any meaningful goal and have no interest in attending it.
“President Carter represents transparency, impartiality, humility and integrity; four key ingredients critical in the mediator recipe towards ensuring a genuine and enduring peace process for the region.
“The Federal government's acceptance of President Carter to mediate and also visit Henry Okah will demonstrate a readiness on its part, to embrace genuine peace and reconciliation.
“For a government that talked so much about a peaceful resolution to the Niger Delta problem.
“President Carter's new initiative should be seen as a golden opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the over 50 years of injustice perpetrated against the peace loving people of the Niger Delta.
“Now the ball is in the court of the government,” MEND said in the statement.
The militant group had earlier said there was a possibility of their cessation of hostilities following the appeal Senator Barack Obama made asking them to stop attacks on pipelines.

the solution is very easy. share the oil money equitably

the solution is very easy. share the oil money equitably

Exactly. I don't see why Nigeria HAS to be the number one producer; ego much?

Angola is getting its act together and does what needs to be done, unlike Nigeria with its constant infighting. Also, why is being #1 so important? Its an african country that is showing great progress. Why not be happy for them? We should rather be sad that China has overtaken South Africa recently as the world's largest gold producer.

how in the world is this disturbing news. is it angola's fault that the big oil companies are raping the delta region and the locals receive nothing?!? the only thing that warrants concern is will the locals in angola benefit or will they be raped too?

This is not a comptetition. We are not in kindergarten. Only that each country should try to aim for its maximum. End of story.

How is this disturbing?

Damn, the word "disturbing" refers to the militant attacks and the potential that goes down the drain, why is this so difficult to understand?

Moreover, I am a big fan of Angola (look at the many threads that I have created about the country) but Nigeria has to be NO.1 in Africa. (due to the size of people) . It is just like Germany which is No.1 in Europe! End of story!

Do you mean #1 at oil production or everything? Either way, that sounds rather arrogant, IMO.

Damn, the word "disturbing" refers to the militant attacks and the potential that goes down the drain, why is this so difficult to understand?

Moreover, I am a big fan of Angola (look at the many threads that I have created about the country) but Nigeria has to be NO.1 in Africa. (due to the size of people) . It is just like Germany which is No.1 in Europe! End of story!

Oh come on, no need to deny it. Read your own title.
I hate to break it to you but natural resources have not been allocated to countries based on their population. So why would Nigeria have to be first in oil production??? That is just ridiculous.

Oh come on, no need to deny it. Read your own title.
I hate to break it to you but natural resources have not been allocated to countries based on their population. So why would Nigeria have to be first in oil production??? That is just ridiculous.

Hmm.. I don't know, maybe because it has greater capacity than Angola. Right now with the militant attacks its one of the reasons for the spike in oil prices and a serious reduction in Nigeria's production is felt all around the world. Angola reaching the #1 spot is not based on their merit but Nigeria's own failures in the Niger delta.

Well, if it was by the oil production and the fact that Nigeria has the largest supply, it would make sense. Nigeria SHOULD be producing more and should be #1 in production. However, I don't understand what population has to do with anything.

Exactly. I don't see why Nigeria HAS to be the number one producer; ego much?

angola is simply number one because of what it pumps out. nigeria still leads in total reserves. but thats really not whats important. angola seems to be using oil money to improve the country, unliek nigeria. thats what is key

angola is simply number one because of what it pumps out. nigeria still leads in total reserves. but thats really not whats important. angola seems to be using oil money to improve the country, unliek nigeria. thats what is key



I agree. @ Matthias - it doesn't make any difference whether Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa or even the universe if the oil money isn't being channelled to the right places. And what does population have to do with anything? The money isn't trickling down to most of the people anyhow so I think your argument is a bit weak.:ohno:

Hmm.. I don't know, maybe because it has greater capacity than Angola. Right now with the militant attacks its one of the reasons for the spike in oil prices and a serious reduction in Nigeria's production is felt all around the world. Angola reaching the #1 spot is not based on their merit but Nigeria's own failures in the Niger delta.

Did you read his post? He said Nigeria HAS to be number 1 in oil production because of the size of the population. That's what I was answering to.

Did you read his post? He said Nigeria HAS to be number 1 in oil production because of the size of the population. That's what I was answering to.

He meant that in overall economic terms, not specifically oil production.

He meant that in overall economic terms, not specifically oil production.

I hope so. I didn't read it that way though.

Have to agree with the general opinion on this thread. There's nothing disturbing about this. Well done Angola!!

@Harkeb

Can you post some data on China leading SA as the largest producer of gold?

That's what the Chinese will do for ya :)

Just to clear one thing up

It is not so much that Angola's production is on the rise, but that Nigeria's production is decreasing. Now this means that it is not so much an achievement but a status. This isn't about the latter, but the economic and social unrest that could potentially result from this could well possibly be immense. This coupled with Nigeria's population would quite easily destabilize most of West Africa.

Yes Nigeria is an economy that is encouraged to shift away from being reliant on Oil and Gas, and it is becoming less reliant every year but the economy is still reliant on the industry.

If this isn't disturbing, you must watch starving children at home each day and chuckle

Just to clear one thing up

It is not so much that Angola's production is on the rise, but that Nigeria's production is decreasing. Now this means that it is not so much an achievement but a status. This isn't about the latter, but the economic and social unrest that could potentially result from this could well possibly be immense. This coupled with Nigeria's population would quite easily destabilize most of West Africa.

Yes Nigeria is an economy that is encouraged to shift away from being reliant on Oil and Gas, and it is becoming less reliant every year but the economy is still reliant on the industry.

If this isn't disturbing, you must watch starving children at home each day and chuckle
TBITE:
It's not going to happen...

There are temporary production problems (tied to joint venture funding issues and the oscillating Niger Delta militancy), but long-term there are enough reserves and many huge deep offshore fields that are just beginning to come into production (Bonga alone is 250,000 BBL per day) to keep Nigeria drenched in the black stuff for a very long time. Additionally, Nigeria's light sulfur oil commands a huge premium over Angola's heavier crude and therefore will continue to garner heavy investment interest.

Angola may become the biggest West African oil producer in 2008



[ 2008-05-05 ]

Luanda, Angola, 05 May – Problems in the Nigerian oil industry are strengthening Angola's position as the most secure regional producer and, if they continue, Angola should be given the “title” of biggest oil producer in West Africa.

With Angolan production on the rise due to the start of production at important new wells – particularly Mondo and Plutonio – although now restricted by OPEC's production allocation (1.9 million barrels per day), social instability in Nigeria has caused constant disruption to the industry since the beginning of the year, which last week resulted in the interruption of more than half the supply of petroleum.

In these conditions, “it is definitely a possible scenario” that Angola becomes the biggest petroleum producer in the region, David Fyfe, principal analyst of global oil supply with the International Energy Agency, told Reuters this week.

“Substantial volumes of oil production in the Niger Delta continue to be affected by the problems [rebel attacks and strikes]. With a temporary hiatus in new deep water developments, further problems in the Delta could certainly hamper total Nigerian exports,” he said.

In relation to Nigeria, the Angolan oil industry has the advantage of focusing on offshore production, safe from any acts of terrorism, unlikely anyway given the relative stability enjoyed by the country since the end of the civil war, in 2002.

The vital Nigerian industry, besieged by rebels disputing the control of petroleum produced in their backyard and criminals who sabotage pipelines and steal the oil for illegal exportation, is losing over half its output, at a time when oil prices are at their highest ever,” said Reuters last week.

Although Angola's main reserves are offshore, which require greater development investments, the fact that security is greater makes for significantly lower operational costs.

Last week's shut-in affected 1.3 million barrels per day, including the production by major refineries of Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell in the Niger Delta, the main oil producing region.

Analysts believe that in May Nigerian exports will fall to 1.9 million barrels, while Angola, that has a lower allocation than Nigeria, has been exporting over 1.9 million barrels and “threatens” to reach 2 million, particularly to meet the demand for Nigerian oil.

Angolan crude is of the “heavy” type with a higher sulphur level than the Nigerian, though its price is generally lower.

An analyst speaking anonymously to Bloomberg said that the current unrest in Nigeria “should generate greater interest in the more stable Angolan production from those who can run the lighter [than Nigerian] Angolan [oil] grades.”
For this year, production at three new Angolan sites is expected to begin, that should represent additional production capacity of approximately 350 thousand barrels per day.

The biggest of these, Mondo, operated by the North-American Exxon Mobil, should pump out close to 100 thousand barrels per day when up to speed.

BP's Plutonio site started production in October, and in the next year should see its output rise by nearly 200 thousand barrels per day.

At the same time the allocation process is expected to get under way for 10 new blocks for petroleum exploration, namely in the onshore fields of Cabinda and Kwanza.
The process will also include concessions in blocks 9 (shallow water), 19, 20, 21 (deep water) as well as 46, 47 and 48 (ultra deep water).

Angola was the main oil supplier to China in the first quarter, overtaking Saudi Arabia, due to an increase of 55 percent in exports, according to figures recently released by Chinese Customs.


The reserves are estimated at 12 billion barrels, 7.5 percent of the total in Africa, but with new investments in research and development it could easily reach 40 billion barrels.

For this to happen, data from Sonangol indicates that an investment of nearly US$66 billion would be needed over the next three years – in research, exploration and development – given that the main potential reserves are in deep and ultra deep waters. (macauhub)

TBITE:
It's not going to happen...

There are temporary production problems (tied to joint venture funding issues and the oscillating Niger Delta militancy), but long-term there are enough reserves and many huge deep offshore fields that are just beginning to come into production (Bonga alone is 250,000 BBL per day) to keep Nigeria drenched in the black stuff for a very long time. Additionally, Nigeria's light sulfur oil commands a huge premium over Angola's heavier crude and therefore will continue to garner heavy investment interest.

You're missing the point. A resource is simply a resource unless it is exploited. If production is not at a reasonable level, yes the reserves are still there but they are yielding nothing.

This is not about the status whether it be temporary or long term, but the implications it will have if the industry remains shrouded with militancy.

the solution is very easy. share the oil money equitably
But they do share the oil money equitably within Nigeria. The problem is some communities in the delta want more than an equitable sharing; they want to keep a very large percentage of the oil revenue, disregarding the rest of the country.

The people in the delta have some legitimate concerns, like environmental degradation. But those legit concerns are being exploited by the militants who need to be killed not negotiated with.

The people in the delta have some legitimate concerns, like environmental degradation. But those legit concerns are being exploited by the militants who need to be killed not negotiated with.

In Asia they would have been dealt with swiftly and efficiently!

These are bandits but the worst bandits are the local governors who pay those militias to stir up trouble under the pretext in the fight of "liberation and participation".

BILLIONS OF US DOLLARS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SINCE THE DISCOVERY OF OIL TO THE NIGER DELTA AND EFFORTS HAVE BEEN STEPPED UP DURING OBJ TERM... look at the Niger Delta it is a place of scorched earth, the environment is hopelessly damaged and corrupt local officials have pocketted the money although it was destined for schools, roads and hospitals.

But they do share the oil money equitably within Nigeria. The problem is some communities in the delta want more than an equitable sharing; they want to keep a very large percentage of the oil revenue, disregarding the rest of the country.

The people in the delta have some legitimate concerns, like environmental degradation. But those legit concerns are being exploited by the militants who need to be killed not negotiated with.

how can the people in the niger delta wanting a larger share be seen as more than an equitable when they produce ALL the oil- basically most of nigeria's wealth?

the militants dont need to be killed anymore than the anc members had to be killed in the past. their concerns should be addressed or there wont be peace

how can the people in the niger delta wanting a larger share be seen as more than an equitable when they produce ALL the oil- basically most of nigeria's wealth?

the militants dont need to be killed anymore than the anc members had to be killed in the past. their concerns should be addressed or there wont be peace

The Oil is not produced by the Niger Delta, but by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes the Oil is in the Niger Delta, and yes the oil money needs to be shared appropriately, but as in other countries wealth is not shared according to the location of resources but by population and economical importance. The problem here is that there is a neglect and that is what needs to be attended to.

Essentially every bit of land in Nigeria has one resource or another that is capable of sustaining that area. To actually go and use this resource and profit from it is a Government based decision/investment and that is why unless each state were to be emancipated the revenue generated from that particular state is distributed by the Government according to its budget. It is not feasible for a nation to invest in refining a resource and then limit expenditure to one particular area.

The fact is that the militants are not just freedom fighters but opportunists that have been armed and supplied by corrupt individuals that they support. If the Niger Delta was to split from Nigeria, how would the resource be managed? The militants are incapable of leading the region and so are the Governors of the region. There isn't an outright neglect in the region, billions of dollars have been spent in the region since 1999 and it is obvious that the Local government of the region have proven more neglectful than the federal government.

The Oil is not produced by the Niger Delta, but by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes the Oil is in the Niger Delta, and yes the oil money needs to be shared appropriately, but as in other countries wealth is not shared according to the location of resources but by population and economical importance. The problem here is that there is a neglect and that is what needs to be attended to.

Essentially every bit of land in Nigeria has one resource or another that is capable of sustaining that area. To actually go and use this resource and profit from it is a Government based decision/investment and that is why unless each state were to be emancipated the revenue generated from that particular state is distributed by the Government according to its budget. It is not feasible for a nation to invest in refining a resource and then limit expenditure to one particular area.

The fact is that the militants are not just freedom fighters but opportunists that have been armed and supplied by corrupt individuals that they support. If the Niger Delta was to split from Nigeria, how would the resource be managed? The militants are incapable of leading the region and so are the Governors of the region. There isn't an outright neglect in the region, billions of dollars have been spent in the region since 1999 and it is obvious that the Local government of the region have proven more neglectful than the federal government.

you sound like a damned fool. how about the oil is not produced by the federal government but by western oil companies. maybe they should take and decide what we get. does that make any sense? when you go down this stupid line, it poisons all logic. fact is the oil is produced by the niger delta.

i dont know what you mean when you mention how other countries share it. is oil nationalized in the USA. does new york get allocations from texas oil? as you point out nigeria is a federal republic, where states should hold power, not a central chinese or russian type of sytem. if thats what it is let them say so and some pretending its something else. how is the fact that the resource allocation law gets changed when oil is found in a poorer minority region than before when resources were more evenly distributed, like in the agricultural age?

other resources have been produced by other regions in nigeria and those regions got a far larger share of it. go read up on the history. the amount given th eniger delta was cut short when oil was found to DELIBERATELY prevent those areas from getting very rich. it would remove power from the ruling elites, that come mostly from the north and the west of nigeria.

ultimately the oil, or any resource, should be privatized, not nationalized. but if that system is deemed too radical, even returning to local powers the sort of share they recieved pre-oil would make sense

you can call the militants mad men and opportunits all you want and just hope, like the whites in south africa, that they would just go away so you can continue to rape their land and remain rich but it wont happen wihout concessions by the feds. frankly they are the only people in nigeria to stand up for an injustice and i applaud them. to have all that wealth in your land yet you are the houskeepers of the nation is not acceptable. at some point the feds will have to sit down and make a choice. i Yar is wise he will stop begging these people to stop the attacks and actually develop the place and give them a greater share of the nation's wealth

That's ridiculous, you don't sound like you understand what's going on in the Niger Delta. The Niger Deltan Militants are the biggest bunch of opportunists I have ever seen, if they stand for the Niger Delta then I am the Queen of England. You applaud a bunch of people that are willing to ravage innocent Niger Deltan communities and contribute to the environmental damage that they are supposed to be fighting against.

You talk about an injustice but these militants that are supposed to have a problem with the country support one of the most corrupt individuals in the country.

How can you stand up against injustice but praise people like Alams.

As a Niger Deltan I can tell you that yes there is a neglect yes there is poverty but I can also tell you that these militants are as evil as the people they stand up against.

Nobody is denying that there is a problem with the allocation and I believe I pointed that out, but transforming a country into an economic playground is ridiculous. The policies in Nigeria should be in the best interest of the general populace therefore allocation should be based on economic growth and poverty reduction. Yes I am aware that the allocation was changed upon the discovery of oil and I am not saying that that was justified, however from the Government level the allocation would not only consider the location of the resource but the population etc, how else can poverty reduction be achieved for the general populace.

The problem in the Niger Delta is a simple one to be honest, but it is not an isolated problem as one might think, but it stems from the general corruption in the country

That's ridiculous, you don't sound like you understand what's going on in the Niger Delta. The Niger Deltan Militants are the biggest bunch of opportunists I have ever seen, if they stand for the Niger Delta then I am the Queen of England. You applaud a bunch of people that are willing to ravage innocent Niger Deltan communities and contribute to the environmental damage that they are supposed to be fighting against.

You talk about an injustice but these militants that are supposed to have a problem with the country support one of the most corrupt individuals in the country.

How can you stand up against injustice but praise people like Alams.

As a Niger Deltan I can tell you that yes there is a neglect yes there is poverty but I can also tell you that these militants are as evil as the people they stand up against.

Nobody is denying that there is a problem with the allocation and I believe I pointed that out, but transforming a country into an economic playground is ridiculous. The policies in Nigeria should be in the best interest of the general populace therefore allocation should be based on economic growth and poverty reduction. Yes I am aware that the allocation was changed upon the discovery of oil and I am not saying that that was justified, however from the Government level the allocation would not only consider the location of the resource but the population etc, how else can poverty reduction be achieved for the general populace.

The problem in the Niger Delta is a simple one to be honest, but it is not an isolated problem as one might think, but it stems from the general corruption in the country

:applause::applause::applause:

Angola Leapfrogs Nigeria As Africa's Largest Oil Producer

Angola overtook Nigeria as Africa's largest oil producer in April. The switch is a result of continued insecurity in the Niger Delta, where militant groups are waging a long-running violent campaign to press for greater local control over oil revenues.

In April, Angola reached a production rate of 1.92 million barrels per day (b/d), slightly below its potential of 1.93 million b/d, according to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Nigeria produced 1.88 million b/d in April, three-quarters of what OPEC estimates to be Nigeria's production capacity of 2.5 million b/d,

Angola, one of OPEC's newest members, has gradually increased its production with new offshore oilfields, while Nigeria has been plagued by persistent supply disruptions.

A strike by ExxonMobil (nyse: XOM - news - people ) workers in Nigeria took about 800,000 b/d out of production for several days. But the decline in its output mostly reflects the effect over the past two years of increased militant activity in the Niger Delta, which has taken out a fifth of the productive capacity of what has been Africa's top producer annually since 1978.

Nigeria may retake the top position this month as much of its shut-in production has been restored with Exxon Mobil settling its strike and Royal Dutch Shell repairing two of its Bonny Light field facilities damaged by militant attacks.

There is a question about the long-term commitment of foreign oil companies to the delta unless the unrest is reined in. There is scant sign of new exploration in the region and no new reserves have been discovered there recently.

That is a faint echo of what happened in Angola during its civil war in the 1980s when oil companies pulled back from exploration as a prelude to shutting down production as fighting became more intense.

What little exploration there is now in Nigeria is in deep waters offshore, where Chevron, ExxonMobil and Total all have fields due to come onstream over the next 18 months.

Oil producers in Nigeria also face regulatory, legal and financial challenges. The government, which like Russia's and Venezuela's wants a bigger slice of the profits from $100-plus a barrel oil, is attempting to overhaul the industry and turn the state oil company Napcon into a clone of Brazil's Petrobras or Norway's StatoilHydro.

While the government is unlikely to abandon its foreign-investor-friendly approach to energy regulation, the large international oil companies will find their high profit margins under scrutiny, while their ability to pump oil in the delta remains repeatedly interrupted by those taking matters directly into their own hands.

Nigeria: MEND Threatens to Blow Up More Oil Pipelines


Leadership (Abuja)

19 May 2008
Posted to the web 19 May 2008

Osa Okhomina
Yenagoa

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in Bayelsa State has threatened to destroy oil pipelines in the state and called on construction giant, Daewoo Nigeria limited and other companies operating in the state to leave in their own interest.

The rebel group also accused the Federal Government of enriching some individuals and groups in the name of peace initiatives in the oil and gas region.

The threat by MEND is run election in Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva, a serious worry.

Sylva told the Amananaowei of Ekeremor, Chief Gbaseimo Agbodo, during a campaign tour of the area with his running mate, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi, that peace was a necessary ingredient without which the state cannot move forward.

He enjoined the Amananaowei to prevail on the youths of the local government area to embrace peace and stability, pointing out that without peace no meaningful development can take place to raise the status of the people.

He regretted that due to the problem of insecurity, the contractor handling the construction of the Toru-Ebeni-Ekeremor-Agge road project has abandoned the site and assured that his administration will accord the project priority attention.

In his remarks, Chief Agbodo enjoined Sylva to remain focused and stead- fast in his commitment to develop the state when he assumes the mantle of leadership and expressed the support of the people to the Sylva/Ebebi ticket.

In Sagbama, the first civilian governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, expressed confidence that the over- whelming support Sylva has recorded was clear demonstration that the local government area will vote for the ruling PDP.

Alamieyeseigha enjoined the people of the area to evolve a blue-print that will attract accelerated development for the local government under the in-coming administration in the state instead of engaging their energies on an election that has already been decided.

Also speaking, Sylva promised that his administration would assiduously tackle the Sagbama-Ekermor-Agge senatorial road so that it could be completed on time to boost the economic life of the people of the zone.

In his speech, the former deputy governor, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi, who is Sylva's running mate, charged the people of the senatorial zone to vote for the Sylva/Ebebi ticket to enable them continue the people-oriented projects they had started.

Meanwhile, in an online statement entitled, "Blowing of Gas Pipelines Begins in Bayelsa State," and obtained by LEADERSHIP during the weekend, the commander of the group in the state, Joshua Macaiva, stated with emphasis that the only way peace can reign in the region is for the Nigerian state to give "what rightly belongs to the downtrodden people" of the Niger Delta.

Macaiva said, "We want rapid development of our communities as well as human development," adding that militancy must continue in the creeks.

He described the posting of soldiers of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) to the region as a wasteful venture, explaining that the area is peaceful.

The statement urged Daewoo to discontinue with its pipeline laying project in the southern Ijaw area of the state, saying, "If they do, we shall start hostility in Bayelsa State as the relative peace enjoyed in the state will be broken immediately as we have alerted our boys to be on the watch next week."

The dreaded group accused the Federal Government of conniving with some multinational companies to "illegally" export the nation's abundant oil and gas resources.

"When we have not resolved the oil exploitation matter then they want to ship our gas to overseas countries," Macaiva posited, saying, "We have vowed to sacrifice our lives."

He regretted that the agreement reached between Daewoo and its host communities has not been met, pointing out that the communities are running out of patience.

He lamented that people from other parts of the country have benefited immensely from the oil wealth gotten from the Niger Delta.

The MEND leader added that the exploitation of crude oil and natural gas beneath the farms, fisheries and houses of the Ijaws over the past 50 years has caused serious environmental damage of the people's land and rivers, which he said are the means of livelihood for the people who are mainly farmers and fishermen.

PS: These people are horrendous bandits! Who is behind all this?

Nigeria: MEND Threatens to Blow Up More Oil Pipelines




PS: These people are horrendous bandits! Who is behind all this?

possible answers:

a. CIA and Mossad (9/11, JFK, Apollo fake --> we know how they do their stuff)
b. IBB (he should be in hell now, but he is still running free in nigeria and has the connections to cause chaos whenever he want)
c. chagoury brothers and the international mafia (the Abacha bankiers would probably profit if the crisis escalades and the military rules again)
d. cultism and criminal elements inside the local governments of the niger delta

make your quote.

Let them blow it up. What did they do to Alams, Ibori, Odili and other former Niger Delta Govs? They celebrated them for stealing their money and further underdeveloped the already improverish people of the Niger- Delta. So glad the Fed.Govt is already starting to diversify the economy away from Oil.

Blow up everywhere in the Niger-Delta but don't dare go to Lagos beacuse there are no bushy creeks to hide there

possible answers:

a. CIA and Mossad (9/11, JFK, Apollo fake --> we know how they do their stuff)
b. IBB (he should be in hell now, but he is still running free in nigeria and has the connections to cause chaos whenever he want)
c. chagoury brothers and the international mafia (the Abacha bankiers would probably profit if the crisis escalades and the military rules again)
d. cultism and criminal elements inside the local governments of the niger delta

make your quote.

I pick A and D

possible answers:

a. CIA and Mossad (9/11, JFK, Apollo fake --> we know how they do their stuff)
b. IBB (he should be in hell now, but he is still running free in nigeria and has the connections to cause chaos whenever he want)
c. chagoury brothers and the international mafia (the Abacha bankiers would probably profit if the crisis escalades and the military rules again)
d. cultism and criminal elements inside the local governments of the niger delta

make your quote.

Fick dich!

Fick dich!

Ok, that was uncalled for whether in German or English! Warum ist du bose?

possible answers:

a. CIA and Mossad (9/11, JFK, Apollo fake --> we know how they do their stuff)
b. IBB (he should be in hell now, but he is still running free in nigeria and has the connections to cause chaos whenever he want)
c. chagoury brothers and the international mafia (the Abacha bankiers would probably profit if the crisis escalades and the military rules again)
d. cultism and criminal elements inside the local governments of the niger delta

make your quote.

i would add E. people that are sick of the BS of the federal government and will hit them hard in the wallet till they fix the problem

And people that are sick of the government get tens of thousands of dollars of weapons out of thin air.:lol:

It has happened now, just sourced this article from UK´s Independent Newspaper.
:ohno:

Angola overtakes Nigeria as top African oil nation

By Danny Fortson, Business Correspondent
Wednesday, 4 June 2008

http://www.independent.co.uk/independent.co.uk/images/logo-london.png

Angola has knocked Nigeria off its decades-long perch as Africa's largest oil producer as militant attacks and strikes take their toll on an industry that accounts for nearly half the country's economic output.

According to Opec, Angola produced 1.87 million barrels per day in April, as opposed to 1.81 million barrels per day in Nigeria – the first time Angola has outdone its prolific neighbour.

Analysts estimate that between 800,000 and 1 million barrels per day of capacity is shut-in in Nigeria, equivalent to nearly a third of its total production capacity.The idle oil platforms and pipelines represent billions of daily losses for the Nigerian government.:bash: Since Nigeria reached a recent production peak of 2.5 million barrels per day in 2005, militants have crippled the industry by destroying pipelines, pirating oil and attacking foreign workers. The resulting cuts have helped to push the oil price to its recent record highs.

"This is very much the result of the shut-ins and unrest in the Delta. They have suffered very badly, but they ought to be able to restore output to [2005 levels] if the oil fields in the Delta operate normally and they can repair the pipelines that have been damaged," Julian Lee at the Centre for Global Energy Studies said. "But there is no real sign that that is going to happen any time soon."

Royal Dutch Shell, the largest foreign operator in the country, still has 156,000 barrels shut-in due to militant activity.

The Nigerian government further soured sentiment last month by requesting $1.9bn (£970m) in back taxes from Shell and Exxonmobil on contracts that were struck in the 1990s, when the oil price was a fraction of what it is today.

Angola, meanwhile, has increased average production from less than 1 million barrels per day in 2005 to 1.87 million today. The country has less onerous rules governing bidding for exploration blocks and the building of projects. Several major discoveries, most of which are in deep water far offshore have come onstream in recent years.

Nigeria is not far behind Angola.. Neither Angola or Nigeria are producing 2 Million Barrels. And 2.5 million barrels is what Nigeria would ordinarily be producing.

I just hope that Senator Bankole is right when he says that Nigeria is nearing the end of the Niger Delta Crisis.

I just hope that Senator Bankole is right when he says that Nigeria is nearing the end of the Niger Delta Crisis.

So do I