Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology

Organised oil crime in Nigeria. The Delta paradox: organised criminals or community saviours?

Webinar on Global Oil and Gas Expo

November 23, 2021 | Webinar

Robin Cartwright

Institute of Security Studies, South Afica

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Pet Environ Biotechnol

Abstract:

Niger Delta oil crime is one of the most serious natural resource crimes globally, with the systematic theft, sale and illegal refining of up to 20% of Nigeria’s oil output. Illegal bunkering and artisanal refining have increased exponentially over the past decade. This paper draws on qualitative interviews with Niger Deltan citizens, and government and community experts, to examine the impact on society. While state security forces continue to treat the crime with ‘extreme prejudice’ – destroying illegal camps and transportation – Niger Deltan citizens have normalised it, justifying it as an economic, energy and employment necessity despite its health and environmental toll. Our paper and film explore innovative, collaborative mechanisms to break this cycle of crime and inaction. Using a combination of national government, intergovenmental organisations, and the private sector’s technology and financing capabilities we propose economic renewal in the Delta.

Biography :

Robin Cartwright is a Senior Fellow at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI_TOC). Robin was a partner for 14 years in the Global Strategy Team of business adviser KPMG LLP, where he developed a capability to measure and counter illicit trade, recognised by WCO and EC. He began his career in security and intelligence for the UK Ministry of Defence. Robin has written papers on the private sector’s response to organized crime, oil crime in the Niger Delta, counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Africa and most recently illicit financial flows in the Balkans and in illegal environmental flows to Asia.