Business
Shut Flow Station: Shell Denies Links With Warring Groups
Oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has denied allegations linking it to reported clashes between groups of people who unlawfully occupied the company’s facility in Belema community, Akuku- Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The firm said the c1ashes between those occupying its production facilities at the Belema Flow Station and the Gas Plant since August 11, 2017 and a group of people protesting the continued occupation of the facilities by the invaders.
SPDC’s Media Relations Manager, Bamidele Odugbesa disclosed this in a statement titled ‘Shell Calls for Dialogue On Belema Flow Station and Gas Plant’, and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
The Tide recalls that some residents of Belema and Offoin-ama communities had shut down the flow station over alleged neglect of their interest by the oil firm and also demanded/hell’s replacement with another firm to manage the facility.
A prominent indigene of the area and National Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, while reacting to the incident, also accused the company of neglect, insisting that the flow station will not be opened until an amicable resolution of the issues was reached.
Sara-Igbe queried, “What development projects have Shell cited in those areas. If you go to these areas, it is an eye sore. The water they drink in this modern day is something you cannot imagine.
But SPDC in the statement restated its commitment to dialogue and peaceful
resolution of disagreements with the invaders and advised stakeholders in the matter to give the Rivers State Government) initiated mediation process the chance to resolve the disagreements peacefully.
The statement reads, “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) debunked allegations in paid radio announcements falsely linking it to reported incidents of clashes between a group of invaders who have been in unlawful occupation of the company’s production facilities at Belema Flow Station and Gas Plant since August 11, 2017 and a group of people protesting the continued occupation of the facilities by the invaders.
“SPDC has also restated its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disagreements with the invaders.
“A group of people invaded the facilities on August 11, 2017, ejected the staff on duty and have illegally remained in occupation of the facilities since then. The group has so far rebuffed all entreaties to resolve their grievances through dialogue but has instead demanded immediate transfer of ownership and operatorship of the facilities to their preferred indigenous oil firm, under the pretext that SPDC has over the years neglected the interests of the local community.
“SPDC believes that all stakeholders in the matter should give the Rivers State Government-initiated mediation process the chance to resolve the disagreement peacefully”, said SPDC External Relations General Manager, Igo Weli, on Tuesday.
“Contrary to the false claims in the paid radio announcements, SPDC will only resume operations at the facility when it is safe to do so.
“Our primary goal is the safe and peaceful resolution of this dispute, and we encourage all parties to return to dialogue to protect the safety and security of all concerned including those occupying the facility, community members, SPDC staff and contractors,” it said.
Dennis Naku
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
