SPDC Decries Neglect Of N’Delta

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has expressed regret over the under-development of the Niger Delta despite huge revenues generated from the region and stakeholders’ efforts to develop the oil-rich area.
Consequently, the multinational oil giant has restated readiness to partner with the traditional rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities in Nigeria (TROMPCON) in efforts to ensure the restoration of peace and  the sustainable development of the region.
The company said this at a series of stakeholders engagement it organised for host communities in Tai and Etche in Rivers State, as well as those in Abia State, in Port Harcourt.
General Manager, External Relations, SPDC, Mr Igo Weli said that it was only through strategic synergy amongst stakeholders that enduring peace and much-desired sustainable development of the region could be achieved, and emphasized the need for understanding, trust and respect for both host communities’ development aspirations and the company’s business principles, shared values and shareholders’ interests.
Weli wondered why the region has yet to be transformed in terms of standard infrastructure despite benefiting from 13 per cent derivation and robust funding from interventionist agencies.
He noted that although the business environment was persistently hostile and unfriendly, but emphasised that Shell was a global brand with assets all over the world, and as such, would continue to innovate and make adjustments to sustain operations in the region.
Also speaking, Chairman, Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities in Nigeria (TROMPCON), Onyeisi Agwuru Etche, Eze Samuel Amaechi said the one-day engagement was an opportunity for both host communities and SPDC to share views on issues and fashion ways to move forward.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana