For oil prosperity and assets not to continue to move into the hands of people outside the oil region, governors of the oil states have been urged to bid and acquire oil fields.
The Ijaw youth Council (Worldwide) which handed down the demand in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, however, poured encomiums on the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for steady engagement with groups from the oil region. The IYC said monthly engagement of the people is the surest way to hear the feelings of the people and seek solution.
Maobuye Nangi-Obu, Secretary-General of the IYC, made the call in Port Harcourt at the PINL stakeholders forum for Rivers, Imo, and Abia states.
The secretary-general who observed that PINL was not the only company operating in the region, said; “We are not here to cast aspersions against other companies that are probably not doing what PINL is doing.”
He stated that it was long overdue for inclusion of more individuals and corporate investors from the region in the management of its oil resources.
He stated that indigenous stakeholders must play a central role in decisions affecting oil assets within their region, noting that about 25 marginal oil fields were recently slated for allocation to individuals and entities outside the Niger Delta, despite being located within host communities.
Marginal fields are oil deposits that have been adjudged uneconomical by major operators but are often viable for smaller, indigenous companies. Their allocation has historically been a flashpoint in the region’s long-running grievances over resource control.
He stated: “I want you here today to begin to make sure, I don’t want to speak against the government, unfortunately. I expect it is time for the Rivers State government, where I’m from, to form oil companies that can bid for the marginal fields within Rivers state.
“We should be more involved in the oil governance of our region. As stakeholders, as leaders, how well have we engaged the government of this country? They sit in Abuja and decide what happens in our region, and we are not part of the oil governance of our region.
“There’s a technology in petroleum engineering, or engineering, that’s called thrust boring, meaning there could be oil wells here, and somebody can be somewhere in Yenagoa drilling the oil without you knowing, ” he stated.
Nangi-Obu commended PINL for its stakeholder engagement approach, describing it as a positive example, while noting that not all operators have adopted similar practices.
He declared: “Today, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited is doing the right thing to engage stakeholders from the region, they are not the only company, but we are not here to cast aspersions against other companies that are probably not doing what PINL is doing.”
He also raised concerns over continued gas flaring by both international oil companies and indigenous operators, pointing out what he called the absence of sufficient gas processing infrastructure in host communities.
Earlier, Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, while addressing the stakeholders, emphasized plans for more community involvement in pipeline surveillance.
He cited two recent cases of attempted vandalism and oil theft in parts of Rivers and Bayelsa States, warning that once investigation into the act were concluded, all those involved would be brought to book.
He said: “Recently, at Atali axis – zone 4, two tankers were intercepted while attempting to load crude. It was only through the effectiveness of our backup intelligence system that this operation was foiled; otherwise, those trucks would have successfully loaded.
“Preliminary findings point to a possible coordinated conspiracy. Let me be clear; once investigations are concluded, everyone found culpable will be brought to justice. No one will be spared.
“Let this serve as a clear and firm warning to all contractors and operatives that, any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated. Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract but will also face full prosecution under the law, ” he added.
Mezeh called for continued strengthening of collaboration with stakeholders, stressing that the community intelligence systems have significantly enhanced information flow and improved response times saying; “We have begun strengthening and fully integrating these systems into our broader surveillance framework, ” he added.
In his speech, Kevin Anugwo, the Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, who was represented at the event by Patricia Ogbonnaya, the Ada Ekpeye, commended PINL operations for restoring their environment and ecosystem. She said most species of fish that exited their waters when bunkering activities and oil pollution were high have now returned.
The monarch called for greater support from the Federal Government for the company.
Also, Batom Mitee, chairman K-Dere Council of Chiefs, noted that the operations of PINL have restored peace in his community. He assured the company of their commitment to ensuring safety of the pipelines.
The traditional ruler however, urged that the increase in output should translate to greater benefits for the host communities.
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