Authorities Betray state Ownership rights of oil, gas |PhD Thesis
A PhD thesis at the University of Buea (UB), in its findings showed government officials part of the local illicit fuel market. Considered to be an act which relinquishes state ownership over the resource.
Titled; “The illicit sale of petroleum products in Cameroon: A legal appraisal of the effects on state ownership rights.” It was defended January 16, by Awa Rumarick Mokom who holds an LL.M in Business Law. Mokom’s defense at the boardroom of the School of Translation and Interpretation (ASTI) is the first in Oil and Gas Law, Department of English Law at University of Buea.
Awa Rumarick said the topic was inspired by the rise in fuel prices and general scarcity of petrol which have caused a boom in the sale of illicit fuel. Additionally, he stated the work sort sought to find out the effectiveness of government measures and understand the implications of the illicit sale of fuel on state ownership rights.
The academic research found significant illegal activity with fuel by ordinary individuals and high ranking state employees . A feat which challenged state ownership of the resource. Corruption, scarcity in petroleum products, and non enforcement of existing laws were all blamed for the thriving local black fuel economy.
In its recommendation, the researcher proposed a more intense fight against corruption by the state, enforcement of existing laws on petroleum sale and augmentation of the national refinery, SONARA’s capacity. Dr. Rumarick explained that this will increase the supply of needed fuel. Prof. Atangcho Nji Akonumbo, chair of the jury and Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLPS) at the University of Buea, said the thesis was relevant as a source of literature for students taking research in that area.
The jury chair further elucidated that, the work was significant as the pioneer in the field of oil and gas in the FLPS which is the youngest faculty in the UB community. The work showed a gap between the regulatory framework and the exploitation/circulation of petroleum products. This he said, weighs state budget “because the government has to come in to subsidise fuel which doesn’t even really help when you look at the market price of fuel.”
The candidate’s supervisor, Prof Sone Patience added that the wok was topical and a revelation of the state of affairs around the oil and gas sector in Cameroon. She pointed out that despite government measures, the illicit sale of fuel is on a rise. Which according to her brings to mind questions on the effectiveness of the laws and institutions put in that regard. Prof Sone referenced the findings of the work which disclosed government officials to be part of the illicit fuel economy to say they are in a way relinquishing state ownership rights.
By Nchendzengang Tatah
1 Comment
Hope the authorities in charge work with the Dr Mokom for a solution to the fuel crisis way are facing in Cameroon