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Oil Communities Present Demands To FG
Representatives of oil producing communities and Stakeholders in Rivers State have called for equity, fairness and development of their communities by the Federal Government.
The stakeholders made their submissions public during an interactive forum with visiting Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was on the last lap of his consultations with representatives and leaders of Niger Delta at Government House, Port Harcourt last Monday.
Representative of Pan- Niger Delta Forum (Pan-DEF), Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas called for a sustainable and comprehensive marshal plan for the region.
Graham-Douglas said time has come for a Special Niger Delta Energy corridor as it would boost industrial relations and drive development, adding, “if peace returns by the time this tenure ends, then, development could go a long way”.
The State Pan-DEF leader further called for the setting up of a Mandate Committee to work out modalities for implementation of a workable strategy to drive development in the region.
In his submissions, representative of the Rivers Elders Council, Onueze Okocha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) sought for synergy among federal, state and local governments, adding that “the people of Rivers State do not consider that they are at war with the federal government or other states of the federation”.
Okocha decried that in recent times the federal government has acted as if they have problem with the state which has affected the people negatively.
The former President of Nigeria Bar Association argued that the loyalty of the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike is not in doubt, but noted that begging issue of boundary adjustment and ceding of Soku Oil well to neighbouring Bayelsa State have affected the revenue profile of the State.
Against this backdrop, Okocha lamented that the people are not given equal opportunities in the polity, “to compete and determine what will be their collective interest”.
Speaking for Oceania Communities in the Kalabari area of the state, Chief Hope Opusingi submitted that the communities have over 160 oil wells and gas installations.
Opusingi lamented that over 50 years of oil exploration in their fishing communities has affected their livelihood, and destroyed their environment due to pollution.
The Opu Kula traditional ruler explained that the dwindling means of livelihood has compelled youths to engage in vandalization and illegal bunkering “as their physiological needs continue to drive the youths unless a truthful consultation is made”.
He advocated for the siting of federal agencies and assets such as polytechnics, universities to provide opportunities for the people of the area, and pleaded that security agencies operating in their area be compelled to respect traditional institutions and women.
Speaking for the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area, Justice Ben Ogbari said the area produces over 39 per cent of the country’s gas, but observed that despite these huge economic contributions, the people are still beset by environmental degradation and lack of infrastructure.
Ogbari noted that the entire wild life and water have been polluted and called on the federal government to do all in its powers to provide youth employment opportunities and roads to link the area to other parts of the country.
Notable activist and environmental rights advocate, Ann Kio-Briggs who spoke for the Women of Rivers State said they re seeking for equity and justice in the use of resources from their soil.
She denied the devastation of the environment by oil exploring companies which, according to her, has denied women their means of livelihood and sustaining their families.
Ann Kio-Briggs used the forum to call on the Federal |Government to stop withdrawing security details of the governor, saying that, “if the situation persists, we may have no other option but to protect our governor”.
An ex-agitator, Richard Akinaba urged the Federal Government to create skills and other opportunities that will reduce illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalization.
Akinaba is of the view that if illegal refining is legalized and modular refineries set up, it will help check violence and at the same time transform the economy.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandison Jaja has joined in calling for a joint Marshal Plan for Niger Delta.
He said, “As traditional rulers, we are worried what will happen in the next 20 years if a plan is not put in place”.
Part of the Marshal Plan, the Opobo monarch recommended should include the Commencement of Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 in Bonny and kick off of Brass NLNG project.
The traditional ruler also recommended that the money used in funding subsidy for petroleum products should be channeled to other areas, and called for the stoppage of fuel importation.
Consequently, Governor Wike has called on the Federal government to resuscitate its horibund agencies and assets in the state.
Chief Wike who spoke during the interactive forum with the Acting President said the poor state of federal assets contributes to economic deprivation of the people.
Such assets include the moribund federal Port in Port Harcourt, the airport, Bonny-Bodo Road East West Road, as the advocated for the full implementation of Ogoni Environment Project.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
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