Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed worry over the constant face-off between host communities and multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region.
He said given the nature of the trend, if not checked, could lead to a loss of investments in the oil sector, as the nation is operating at 60 per cent of production quantum.
The governor made the statement while inaugurating the 2.1Km Obitobon-Elolo-AjaokurreOgbo-Orubu Roads in Ogidigben and 2.3Km roads in Benikrukru, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.
He said though the communities are at liberty to protest, they should guard against causing a breach of activities in oil companies operating in the area.
Okowa urged communities to always channel their complaints and grievances against oil firms to the State Ministry of Oil and Gas for further action.
The governor said, “When you make a request and your request is not met, please channel it to the Ministry of Oil and Gas and we can always find a means to intervene on your behalf. We need to handle everything with care to prevent the international oil companies from further divesting from the nation’s oil and gas sector.”
“At the moment, we are operating at 60 per cent of our production quantum because many of the oil companies are beginning to withdraw their investments from the country.
“But that does not mean that the oil companies would take advantage of that situation not to fulfil their obligations as stated in their memorandum of understanding with host communities.”
