Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, on Saturday, in Warri, called on the protesting host communities to Otumara flow station in Warri South West Local Government Area, not to shutdown the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Commission (SPDC) but engage in a friendly dialogue with the multi-national oil firm over the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
During his visit to Otumara flow station and host communities, Oyibode said that the Delta State Government ably led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was determined to providing enabling environment for IOCs and investors in Delta State.
He said “the management team, Ministry of Oil and Gas visited the protesters at the Otumara community where the flow station is sited. We held discussion with leaders who expressed their concerns. We also advised that the “internal wrangling” within critical stakeholders over the name for the HCDT should not lead to shutting down of Otumara flow station and SPDC’s operations.”
“The disagreement between the host communities to Otumara flowstation and SPDC which has to do with setting up a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), is a matter that can be resolved amicably. The Delta State Government is on top of the issue. We appeal to the host communities of Ugborodo, Ugboegungun and Deghele not to shutdown the operations at Otumara flowstation, while the negotiations continue for a win-win resolution.”
“The 20,000 barrels per day SPDC facility in Otumara is of great economic importance to the Federal and Delta State Government. The State Government will continue to intervene when necessary, however, we implore the host communities and SPDC to explore the benefit of dialogue in resolving the disagreement.”
“My team visited the communities and discussed extensively with stakeholders and leaders. I am going to brief His Excellency, the Governor when he returns from oversea on my fact finding mission to the communities.”
Oyibode stated further, that the delta State Governor, was committed to fulfilling the pledge to restore the lost glory of Warri, the industrial hub to sustain an enabling environment that will attract investors, boost the economy of state and as well create employment for the youths.
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