The 2020 CAMA and Beneficial Ownership in the Extractive Industry

By Charles Uche ESQ

Incorporating and fronting companies is a convenient and effective way of concealing identity, engaging in illicit transactions and evading liabilities. In many countries, a company can be formed without disclosing the identity of the individual who ultimately controls or profits from the business, i.e., the beneficial owner. Criminals and politically exposed persons (PEPs) can assign “nominee” shareholders to be listed on official documents or can list other legal entities (other companies can be shareholders in a company) as the “owners,” thereby creating a chain of companies–often across borders–that can be difficult for investigators and law enforcement to trace and recover.

Connected Development (CODE), has over the year, through its Conflict & Fragility project, in partnership with Oxfam-in-Nigeria advocated for a robust beneficial Ownership transparency through the instrumentality of a robust legislation as an essential means for combating corruption, stemming illicit financial flows, and fighting tax evasion. While many initiatives exist to maintain and disclose beneficial owners of companies in Nigeria, like the Beneficial Ownership Register launched by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in December 2019, none of them until the enactment of the 2020 Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) had the statutory backing for enforcement. 

Documents from Panama papers on Dan Etete and Kolawole Aluko can be used as classical case studies in demonstrating how these two individuals,  like many others, capitalised on the non-existent or fragile regulatory framework in Nigeria’s extractive “oil & gas” sector to launder money and evade liabilities which has cost the Nigerian government and people revenue in the billions of dollars. Till date, none of the aforementioned persons has been successfully prosecuted and convicted partly due to concealment of identities and fronting of shell companies in their transactions. Shell companies are legal entities “companies” that are non-operational and lack  assets or  staff.  They are conveniently used by money launderers to keep their identities hidden while they engage in illicit transactions across borders and evade tax.

Dan Etete: Dan Etete, a former Petroleum Minister under Nigerias Dictator Head-of-State, Gen. Sani Abacha had in 1998, incorporated a Shell company named “Malabu Oil & Gas Limited” using a fictitious name “Kweku Amafegha”, with few other persons, while he was the ultimate and beneficial owner of the company  – though his real name did not appear in any official documents. Five days after he incorporated this company, he, as Petroleum Minister, awarded this company an oil block “OPL 245”. He used this shell company to launder money across the Nigerian border and acquire luxurious assets, while escaping liabilities.

Kolawole Aluko: Kola Aluko is a businessman and oil executive. Media reports have described Aluko as a key ally to Alison-Madueke, a relationship both have previously denied. He rose to prominence around 2011 when Nigeria’s government awarded two companies he founded or owned valuable oil blocks on a no-bid basis. One of his companies, Atlantic Energy, was created the day before it inked the deals to acquire multimillion-dollar oil licenses.

In Nigeria, only a member of a Public Company (PLC) was under obligation, under the old 1990 CAMA, to disclose in writing when required, the capacity in which he holds any shares in the company; either as a beneficial owner or as a nominee of an interested person. See Sections 94-98, old CAMA.

The 2020 CAMA in section 119 has extended such obligation (to disclose the particulars of shareholding by notifying the company) to persons with significant control in all companies. Similarly, as provided in section 120 of the new CAMA, a person who is a substantial shareholder in a public company and holding (either by himself or by his nominee/proxy) shares in the company which entitle him to exercise at least five per cent (5%) of the unrestricted voting rights at any general meeting of the company, is required to disclose such holding by notifying the company within a stipulated time.

This new disclosure provisions are poised to enhance transparency and prevent asset shielding as well as combat money laundering, terrorism financing and all forms of illicit financial flows by legal entities having limited liability.

While there is no gainsaying that the above disclosure provisions would enhance transparency and accountability in the Extractive sector in Nigeria, especially in the Petroleum Industry, as many of the oil and gas companies are private limited liability companies (LTD); many of which have ‘rightly’ escaped disclosure obligations with no legal sanction – there is also an urgent need for the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which has as one of its core objectives – “to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of petroleum resources of Nigeria”.

Connected Development is an initiative that is passionate about empowering marginalised communities.

Comments (16871)

  1. 6 September 2022

    [url=https://lexapro.today/]can i buy lexapro medicine online[/url]

    Reply
  2. 6 September 2022

    video bokep indonesia livevideo bokep indonesia 2016video gratis bokep indonesiavideo bokep viral indonesiavideo bokep indonesia
    viral terbarudownload video bokep indonesia terbaruvideo bokep
    indonesia terbaruvideo bokep indonesiastreaming video bokep indonesia

    Reply
  3. 6 September 2022

    Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I get
    in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be
    subscribing in your feeds and even I fulfillment you get admission to consistently quickly.

    Take a look at my blog post; rooms to go chicago

    Reply
  4. 6 September 2022

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, might test this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a large section of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing because of this problem.

    Reply
  5. 6 September 2022

    These are truly enormous ideas in on the topic of blogging.
    You have touched some good things here. Any way keep up wrinting.

    Reply
  6. 6 September 2022

    I am really thankful to the owner of this web page who has shared this enormous
    piece of writing at at this place.

    Reply
  7. 6 September 2022

    [url=https://celecoxib.fun/]where can i buy celebrex[/url] [url=https://cialisitabs.quest/]cheap india cialis[/url] [url=https://prednisone.fun/]can you buy prednisone[/url] [url=https://hydroxychloroquine.tech/]hydroxychloroquine plaquenil 200 mg tablet[/url] [url=https://effexor.life/]effexor 37.5 price[/url] [url=https://lasix.boutique/]furosemide 50 mg daily[/url] [url=https://motilium.fun/]motilium 10 mg tablet[/url]

    Reply
  8. 6 September 2022
    Reply
  9. 6 September 2022

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality used to be a leisure account
    it. Look complicated to more introduced agreeable from you!

    By the way, how could we keep in touch?

    Reply
  10. 6 September 2022

    Hello there! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you’ve got right here on this post.
    I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.

    My web site – december calendar

    Reply
  11. 6 September 2022

    It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful information with
    us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for
    sharing.

    Reply
  12. 6 September 2022

    My spouse and i have been so lucky Chris managed to carry out his web research using the precious recommendations he acquired when using the weblog. It’s not at all simplistic to just choose to be offering solutions which often a number of people may have been selling. And we do understand we need the writer to give thanks to because of that. The entire explanations you’ve made, the straightforward website navigation, the friendships you can make it easier to promote – it’s got all fabulous, and it’s really facilitating our son in addition to our family do think the topic is enjoyable, and that’s quite pressing. Thank you for all the pieces!

    Reply
  13. 6 September 2022

    I enjoy you because of your entire hard work on this blog. My mother really likes conducting internet research and it’s simple to grasp why. A number of us hear all relating to the powerful ways you make very useful solutions via this website and even recommend response from website visitors on that area of interest then our girl is discovering a lot. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You are always performing a really good job.

    Reply
  14. 6 September 2022

    Great info. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
    I’ve book marked it for later!

    Reply
  15. 6 September 2022

    Hi there mates, how is everything, and what you would like
    to say regarding this article, in my view its in fact awesome
    in favor of me.

    Reply
  16. 6 September 2022

    Superb, what a web site it is! This web site gives valuable facts to us, keep it up.

    Reply
  17. 6 September 2022

    Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!

    Reply
  18. 6 September 2022

    info thanks your website is excellent

    Reply
  19. 6 September 2022

    info thanks your website is excellent

    Reply
  20. 7 September 2022

    author thanks this is an excellent website

    Reply
  21. Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply
  22. A Guide Ꭲo Learn The Common Terms Ⲟf Make Your Own CBD Skincare At Home! Oil

    Reply
  23. 7 September 2022

    [url=http://bupropion.cfd/]wellbutrin 100 mg tablet[/url] [url=http://zithromax.fun/]can you buy azithromycin without a prescription[/url] [url=http://mebendazole.cfd/]where can i buy vermox over the counter[/url]

    Reply
  24. Originally the OLPC Foundation stated that governments must purchase the
    laptop in batches of 25,000 to distribute to their residents, but a new program will soon enable non-public
    residents to purchase an XO. Many governments have expressed interest in the laptop computer or verbally dedicated to purchasing it,
    but Negroponte mentioned that some haven’t followed by on their guarantees.
    Once you have it in, cinch it down with the
    lever arm. The 8- and 9-inch versions have a entrance-going through,
    2-megapixel digicam. There are constructed-in audio system
    and WiFi connectivity; however, there’s no camera in any respect.
    The latter has a 9.7-inch (1024 by 768) capacitive show, a speaker and a 0.3-megapixel
    digital camera. Now let’s take a closer have a look at what sorts of questions are on the MCAT.
    The Physical Sciences information, for example, is ten pages long, listing every scientific
    precept and matter inside common chemistry and physics which may be lined in the
    MCAT.

    Look at my blog post :: สมัครสล็อต เว็บตรง

    Reply
  25. 7 September 2022

    I simply needed to appreciate you once again. I’m not certain what I would’ve implemented without those tricks discussed by you relating to this subject. Previously it was an absolute frustrating difficulty in my circumstances, however , coming across a specialised tactic you treated that took me to jump for delight. I’m just happy for the guidance and pray you are aware of a powerful job you’re accomplishing teaching most people using your website. I am certain you haven’t met all of us.

    Reply
  26. 7 September 2022

    I precisely had to thank you very much again. I’m not certain the things that I would have handled without the type of points shown by you relating to my subject matter. It was actually the troublesome case for me, however , finding out a specialised tactic you treated the issue made me to leap for delight. I’m happy for this advice and even hope you comprehend what a great job you were undertaking teaching others with the aid of your blog post. I know that you haven’t come across any of us.

    Reply
  27. 7 September 2022

    I all tһe time emailed this weblog post page to
    all my contacts, as if like to rеad it after tһat my links will too.

    Reply
  28. 7 September 2022

    I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also
    with the structure in your weblog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it
    your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays..

    my page :: ruay รวย

    Reply
  29. Hello, i tһink thɑt i sаw you visited my weblog ѕo i camе to “return the favor”.I’m attempting tօ fіnd
    tһings tο enhance my site!I suppose іts ߋk to ᥙse some of уouг ideas!!

    Aⅼso visit my website buy generic valtrex without prescription

    Reply
  30. 7 September 2022

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It really
    useful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to offer something again and help others like you helped me.

    Reply
  31. 7 September 2022

    [url=https://strattera.click/]strattera 100 mg[/url]

    Reply
  32. 7 September 2022

    %%

    my blog – Online Gambling (aletheiaresearch.com)

    Reply
  33. Raymondfug
    7 September 2022

    https://molnupiravir.life/# molnupravir
    [url=https://withoutdoctorprescription.xyz/#]legal to buy prescription drugs without prescription[/url] canadian online drugstore

    Reply
  34. 7 September 2022

    [url=http://lasix.fun/]lasix 10 mg[/url]

    Reply
  35. 7 September 2022

    It’s impressive that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as from our discussion made at this place.

    Reply
  36. 7 September 2022

    I together with my friends were going through the excellent helpful hints on the blog and suddenly developed a horrible suspicion I never thanked you for those strategies. Most of the young boys happened to be so very interested to learn them and have now truly been loving these things. Thank you for genuinely very kind and also for opting for some essential ideas millions of individuals are really eager to understand about. My personal honest regret for not expressing gratitude to earlier.

    Reply
  37. 7 September 2022

    I have to show my love for your kind-heartedness supporting those people that actually need guidance on this particular question. Your special dedication to passing the solution along has been unbelievably beneficial and has frequently made men and women like me to attain their objectives. The warm and helpful guideline denotes a whole lot a person like me and far more to my office workers. Thank you; from all of us.

    Reply
  38. 7 September 2022

    ivermectin lotion 0.5 [url=https://stromectold.com/]stromectol 3mg tablets[/url] stromectol for sale

    Reply
  39. 7 September 2022

    https://herbapproach.com/product-category/concentrates/shatter/
    Your outlook is amazing. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. I love all the points you have made.

    Reply
  40. 7 September 2022

    you are really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition,
    The contents are masterwork. you have performed a great
    task on this topic!

    Reply
  41. 7 September 2022

    خرید قهوه مرغوب، اصل و تازه با ارسال سریع.

    خرید اینترنتی قهوه از معتبرترین فروشگاه اینترنتی فروش قهوه، قهوه
    پیک (کافه پیک) دارای دو شعبه در کشور.

    با خرید آنلاین قهوه و سفارش آنلاین قهوه در زمان خود صرفه جویی کنید.

    فروش انواع قهوه ترک، عربیکا، روبوستا، اسپرسو، بدون کافئین و فول کافئین، دان قهوه به صورت
    کلی و جزئی.

    Reply
  42. 7 September 2022

    Amazing! Its in fact awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.

    Reply
  43. 7 September 2022

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something
    which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.

    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get
    the hang of it!

    Reply
  44. 7 September 2022

    %%

    Here is my site – betting (Flourandflowerdesigns.com)

    Reply
  45. 7 September 2022

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article.
    Thank you for providing these details.

    Also visit my web-site; forex

    Reply
  46. 7 September 2022

    steroid satin al steroid satın al
    En steroid satin al Sirlari
    Anabolik Steroid
    Detaylar, Kurgu ve steroid satin al
    Vücut gelistirme ilaçlari denilince akla eser anabolik steroidler, fitness sporuyla ugrasan çogu sporcunun duydugu seylerdir.
    Bu yüzden de sporcular istedikleri ürünler saglamak düsüncesince Steroid
    Satin Al seklinde arama yaparak steroid ürünlerine ulasmak isterler.
    Ayrica Steroid Fiyat ugruna bizimle iletisime geçerek ürünler hakkinda umumi bilgiye iye olabilirsiniz.

    Hakkinda steroid satin al
    steroid satin al A Gizli Silah

    steroid satin al

    Reply
  47. 7 September 2022

    stromectol for head lice [url=https://stromectold.com/]stromectol tab price[/url] ivermectin 2ml

    Reply
  48. 7 September 2022
    Reply
  49. 7 September 2022

    %%

    Here is my blog … blackjack (thegetawaypub.com)

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Jessie Price Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.