Court restrains Opeans from conducting BOSIET, other training

From Paul Osuyi, Asaba

A Delta State High Court sitting in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday issued an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Opeans Nigeria Limited from further conducting the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and any similar training.

The court presided over by Justice Joe Egwu, also restrained Opeans from issuing certificates for such training.

In suit number HOR/9/2023, the court further ordered the closure of the training centres owned or operated by the company.

Opeans Nigeria Limited and the other defendants including American Petroleum Institute (API), Veriforce Limited Liability Company, and the Attorney-General of Delta State are facing legal action due to allegations of issuing counterfeit API and Veriforce BOSIET certificates that have not been approved by the respective institutes.

API, a renowned authority in the oil and gas sector, had refuted giving approval to Opeans for conducting BOSIET certification and issuing related certificates, insisting that it has no affiliation with Opeans.

BOSIET is a mandatory requirement for personnel working offshore in the oil and gas industry aimed at ensuring the safety and proficiency of individuals operating in offshore environments.

Issuance of the certificates without approval not only undermines the credibility of the certification process but also presents a grave risk to the well-being of workers and the industry at large.

Reacting to the development, a legal practitioner said the court’s decision to grant the interlocutory injunction, which prohibits the company from conducting the BOSIET certification and requires the closure of its training centres, was a significant move in tackling the issue and preserving the credibility of the certification process.

He said the decision served as a clear indication that the court will not tolerate fraudulent practices, and that it is dedicated to upholding the utmost standards of safety and professionalism within the country.