NAOC Presents EIA On Gas Supply Project

In a move to fulfill the law guiding the Oil and Gas project implementation in Nigeria, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has presented to the host communities the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment/Public Forum for its Port Harcourt base gas supply project (ESHIA).

Speaking at the occasion held in Port Harcourt Monday, the representative of the Commissioner for Environment, Miabiye Kalio, who also was the chairman of the occasion, said that the purpose of the forum was to enlighten the 10 communities involved, on the impact the project will have on the people and to give the opportunity to make contributions.

He explained that the exercise is in fulfillment to the environmental law which stipulates that for any oil and gas project to kick-off, it is compulsory that the company must consult with the stakeholders on the way forward concerning the impact the project will have on the peoples environment and health social life.

The process, he said is continued till the project is completed. Also that contributions are necessary as a stakeholder and will be part of the project design to ensure that the project is sustainable.

In his speech, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon Chimbiko Iche-Akarolo, commended Agip for impacting positively on the host communities.

He urged NAOC to have an inter face with the people on issues that borders on Memorandum of Understanding, also know and address the needs of the people, especially in the area of employment, as well as generating power supply to the host communities.

The Public Relation Communication and Government Liaison Manager, Prince Nwachuku Obi, thanked the host communities for coming to make a new contact with NAOC. He assured that soon the company will ease out people nearing retirement for new recruitment to take place.

He pointed out that by June 2013 negotiation on MOU that would be implemented in 2014 will commence, adding that it requires their patience and co-operation to conclude the negotiation.