ellington - the nigerian indies wouldn't be operator of any block. Even ERHC wouldn't be the operator. It would be Pioneer/Devon or Noble, depending on the block. It would be the indies sending money to the operator for their share of the drilling/operations, so no skimming opportunity. I agree with your idea about Nigeria paying the sig bonus difference (5.1 mm)with payment out of future revenues (that will come earlier if Noble drills). Myself and another made a similar post. Personally,I'd like to see Nigeria call STP's bluff. If STP turns down the offer, then the whole world will know that STP has been bought off.