Delta State Government has pledged total commitment to the full implementation of agreements between host communities and oil companies in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, made the pledge during a sensitization workshop on the implementation of the PIA, organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in collaboration with Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited. The event was held for host communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
He assured Deltans that though the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 was not a perfect document, the state government would continue to promote peace and a harmonious working environment between host communities and oil companies, saying that the government would not tolerate any attempt to shortchange host communities.
Onyeme, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Christopher Osakwe, encouraged host communities to endeavour to secure oil companies’ facilities in their area to guarantee their entitlement to the three per cent fund as provided for in the PIA 2021.
Addressing participants at the sensitisation exercise, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by Mr. Akpotowho Kennedy said the enactment of the PIA 2021 and the subsequent regulation of the petroleum industry marked a turning point towards achieving sustainable development of host communities.
In his remarks, the CEO of Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited, Chief George Bucknor, who also serves as a consultant to the NUPRC, said the workshop was designed to educate host communities in Ndokwa East on their social benefits as enshrined in Sections 234 and 240, as opposed to Section 257(2) of the Act.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, including His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh, who praised the initiative and pledged that communities under their jurisdiction would continue to protect oil infrastructure.
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