Bayelsa Seeks More Investment From Shell

Bayelsa State Government has urged Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited to contribute more to standards of living in the State by investing more in energy and infrastructure development.
The Media Relations Manager, SPDC, Mrs Abimbola Essien-Nelson, in a statement, yesterday, quoted the State’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as making the call during a business meeting with the company’s management in Port Harcourt.
The Tide’s source recalls that SPDC first struck oil in commercial quantities in Nigeria at Otuabagi Community within the Oloibiri fields in Bayelsa in 1956.
SPDC had in 2015 divested its equity interest in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, and the asset was acquired by an indigenous firm, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Ltd for $2.4 billion.
However, the company retains gas gathering infrastructure across Bayelsa that feeds the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas for export.
“The relationship between Bayelsa State and SPDC is cordial. Thank you for the investments in our State.
“Thank you for your contributions to support development efforts in the state. But how do we improve on this and bring dividends to our people? There is still so more to unearth in our state.
“This meeting is to see how we can work together to create a suitable environment for SPDC to operate and generate value for all of us,” Ewhrudjakpo said.
He said the State Government was ready to partner Shell to expand its portfolio in Bayelsa with a view to reducing unemployment, youth restiveness and drug abuse.
According to him, the State had recorded a huge success using sports to keep youths away from vices particularly drug abuse and violent crimes.
Ewhrudjakpo continued that “Bayelsa State youths have shown that if we give them encouragement, they could deliver good value”.
He noted that the State finished 3rd at the last National Sports Festival in Edo State, even as the Government also organised the annual Bayelsa Wrestling Classic to encourage more youths in the State to embrace sports.
Essien-Nelson also quoted the Managing Director, SPDC, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, as pledging the company’s support for government’s efforts to improve the environment in Bayelsa.
“It means that there is a plan. As a company, we key into your vision because we know that if you are successful it will help us and help our business environment.