On Thursday, Bloomberg News reported Nigeria’s decision to retract civil claims amounting to $1.1 billion against Italian energy giant Eni regarding alleged corruption linked to an oilfield deal. The country’s justice ministry intends to unconditionally waive these claims before Italy’s highest court by November 17, as revealed in a letter regarding the OPL 245 field, as seen by the newswire.
Eni, responding to inquiries, confirmed receipt of the communication concerning OPL 245. The company expressed satisfaction with the Nigerian government’s resolution, highlighting its willingness to collaborate with Nigeria on converting the license from prospecting to mining. This collaboration aims to bolster the field’s development prospects.
Moreover, the energy group emphasized its readiness to engage in discussions with the Nigerian government to facilitate the necessary steps for this license conversion, ensuring a pathway for the field’s development.
In a significant turn of events, a Milan court in 2021 acquitted Eni, its CEO, and Shell in a corruption case related to the acquisition of the Nigerian oilfield.
