Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo's Role in OPL 245 Deal Under Fire

Strategic Insights -

Naija247news reports that Mohammed Bello Adoke, Nigeria's former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of initiating the scandal surrounding the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 deal. According to Adoke's memoir, Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria's Former Attorney-General, Obasanjo attempted to distance himself from the controversy, which has sparked international investigations and led to billions of dollars in losses for Nigeria. The deal involved oil giants Shell and Eni and has been the subject of legal disputes for over a decade.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mohammed Bello Adoke, former Attorney-General, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of initiating the OPL 245 deal scandal in 2001.
  • Adoke claims that Obasanjo's administration was responsible for laying the groundwork for the deal, which involved oil giants Shell and Eni.
  • Obasanjo later revoked Malabu's license and re-awarded the block under questionable terms, according to Adoke.
  • Adoke maintains that much of the criticism directed at his own role in the resolution of the OPL 245 dispute ignored the foundational missteps taken under Obasanjo's leadership.
  • Adoke defended his role in the eventual settlement, claiming he acted in the best legal interest of the country and followed due process.
  • The book highlights internal political pressures, bureaucratic contradictions, and the complexities of Nigeria's oil sector governance.
  • The scandal has sparked international investigations and led to billions of dollars in losses for Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • The OPL 245 deal has been the subject of legal disputes for over a decade.
  • Nigeria has lost billions of dollars in revenue due to the scandal.
  • Malabu Oil and Gas, allegedly owned by former Petroleum Minister Dan Etete, was originally awarded the oil block in 2001.
  • Obasanjo's administration revoked Malabu's license and re-awarded the block under questionable terms in 2001.

Sources:

  • Naija247news
  • Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria's Former Attorney-General (Mohammed Bello Adoke's memoir)