BY GODWIN ORITSE

THE Nigerian Indigenous Ship Owners Association, NISA, has asked for 60 percent oil lifting rights for Nigerians instead of the current 40 percent.

Chairman of NISA, Chief Issac Jolapamo, who made this demand at a briefing, yesterday, said Nigeria was the only oil producing and exploration country that does not lift its crude oil.

He explained that the carriage of Nigeria’s crude had always been on free-on-board, FOB, as against Cost Freight and Insurance, CIF.

Jolapamo noted that the 40 percent crude lifting rights granted to Nigerians is against the law, adding that the law gives 60 percent lifting rights to Nigerians.

Commending the Federal Government for making Nigerians part of the crude oil carriage rights, he said that the 60 percent provision must be adhered to with a view to developing the shipping industry in Nigeria.

He said: “It is gratifying to note that part of the conditions to grant the right of to lift crude oil is that they must work with Nigerian ship owners for the carriage contract in order to develop the Nigerian shipping industry in particular and the Nigerian economy in general by creating employment for Nigerians.

“This is in line with the provision of the Nigerian oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, particularly the aspect of schedule which fits into the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

“We humbly ask the Minister of Petroleum Resources to review the list of successful oil traders and publish the names of the local shipping companies.

“This is the least require-ment if the government wants to demonstrate transparency.”