Amnesty: Confab Alleges Non-Settlement Of Niger Delta Communities

The National Conference
Committee on  Energy  says  the amnesty programme has failed to provide the needed settlement for the Niger Delta communities.
The report of the committee presented by a former Governor of Oyo State, Rashid Ladoja, said the amnesty settlement has settled only a few young men in the Niger Delta and was yet to settle the Niger Delta communities.  According to the report, “it is only fair therefore that Niger Delta communities in oil-producing blocks under divestment be given equity participation in the new entries buying up the IOC’s interest, since derivation share of revenue allocation that accrued to the states over the years has had little or no impact on the producing communities, who must now endure the neglect of new masters, 60 years after enduring the neglect of both the foreign masters and a succession of state governments.”
It also recommended giving of 10 per cent equity to host communities in the oil and gas sector, stating that “the current divestment is bringing many indigenous operators into the sector. Accordingly, we feel that producing communities who can find the finance, should be given equity of at least 10 per cent by the indigenous entities.”
The committee’s report further called on government to assert itself in addressing oil theft in the country.
According to its findings, Nigeria loses about 350,000 barrels of oil per day, or about $35 million a day, saying “government must fully assert Nigerian sovereignty and bring this racket to a full final stop.”
It also noted that “a root-to-branch audit of the entire PPMC logistical system and assets integrity be carried out as a matter of urgency, and appropriate remedies mapped out for phased implementation.”
The report asked that the “National Petroleum Assists Management Corporation (NAPAMCorp) and Nigerian Petroleum Management Company Ltd (NAPAMCO), be merged for greater clarity of purpose.”