OREROKPE/Nigeria: Justice Joe Egwu of the Delta State High Court, Orerokpe, has issued an interlocutory injunction in suit number HOR/9/2023 on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. This court order restrains Opeans Nigeria Limited from continuing its provision of Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and similar programs, along with the issuance of related certificates. Moreover, the court has mandated the immediate closure of the training centers owned or operated by the company.
The defendants named in the lawsuit are Opeans Nigeria Limited, the American Petroleum Institute (API), Veriforce Limited Liability Company, and the Attorney-General of Delta State.
This legal action stems from allegations that Opeans Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the other defendants, has been involved in the issuance of counterfeit API and Veriforce BOSIET certificates that have not been officially approved by these reputable institutes. Despite lacking any formal accreditation, Opeans Nigeria Limited has been making false claims of accreditation by API and Veriforce.
The American Petroleum Institute, a respected authority in the oil and gas sector, has categorically denied granting any approval or accreditation to Opeans Nigeria Limited for conducting the BOSIET certification and issuing related certificates. This denial further underscores the allegations against the company and exposes the deceptive claims made by Opeans Nigeria Limited regarding their affiliation with API.
API, represented by the esteemed law firm Banwo & Ighodalo, has unambiguously stated that Opeans Nigeria Limited has no affiliation with their institute. Furthermore, the BOSIET certificates distributed by Opeans Nigeria Limited lack any official approval or accreditation from the API. The claim by Opeans Nigeria Limited that they possess API certification has been denounced as false, a forgery, and misrepresentative.
BOSIET certification is a crucial requirement for personnel working in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry. The safety and competence of individuals operating in these environments are contingent upon possessing a legitimate BOSIET certificate. The illicit issuance of such certificates not only undermines the credibility of the certification process but also poses a severe risk to the well-being of workers and the industry at large.
Counsel to the plaintiff, speaking to reporters following the court’s ruling, stressed the importance of individuals who have received API or Veriforce certificates from Opeans Nigeria Limited recognizing their rights and considering legal action against the company for fraud and damages. The certificates and training provided by Opeans Nigeria Limited were never authorized or accredited by API or Veriforce, rendering them invalid and potentially endangering the lives of those who depend on them.
The attorney further emphasized that the court’s decision to grant the interlocutory injunction, prohibiting the company from providing BOSIET certification and ordering the closure of its training facilities, represents a significant step in addressing the issue and safeguarding the credibility of the certification process. This decision serves as a clear signal that the court will not tolerate fraudulent practices and is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the country.
