By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday granted approval to the acquisition of Exxon Mobil shares by Seplat Energy Offshore Limited, in his capacity as the federal minister in charge of Petroleum Resources, the Presidency has said in a statement.
The release signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina says consent is also in consonance with the country’s drive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the energy sector.
According to the President, Exxon Mobil had entered into a landmark Sale and Purchase Agreement with Seplat Energy to acquire the entire share capital of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited from Exxon Mobil Corporation, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc, and Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc, both registered in Delaware, USA.
The statement read in part, “Considering the extensive benefits of the transaction to the Nigerian Energy sector and the larger economy, President Buhari has given Ministerial Consent to the deal.
“The President, in commitment to investment drive in light of the Petroleum Industry Act, granted consent to the Share Sales Agreement, as requested by the parties to the transaction, and directed that the approval be conveyed to all the parties involved.
“Exxon Mobil/Seplat are expected to carry out operatorship of all the oil mining licenses in the related shallow water assets towards production optimization to support Nigeria’s OPEC quota in the short term as well as ensure accelerated development and monetization of the gas resources in the assets for the Nigerian economy.
“President Buhari also directed that all environmental and abandonment liabilities be adequately mitigated by Exxon Mobil and Seplat.”
Seplat Energy Plc had unveiled its plans to acquire the entire share capital of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) from Exxon Mobil Corporation Delaware (USA Incorporated).
Confirming the deal, Chief Financial Officer, Seplat, Emeka Onwuka said the arrangements have reached advanced stage while completion of the transaction is subject to ministerial consent and other required regulatory approvals.
