August 26, The Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, has called on the protesting host communities to Otumara flow station in Warri South West Local Government Area, not to shut down the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Commission (SPDC) but engage in a friendly dialogue with the multi-national oil firm over the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Oyibode made the appeal on Saturday, in Warri, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of his visit to Otumara flow station and the host communities.
“The management team, Ministry of Oil and Gas, visited the protestants at the Otumara community where the flow station is sited. We held discussions with leaders, who expressed their concerns. We also advised that the Internal wrangling among critical stakeholders over the name of the HCDT should not lead to the shutting down of Otumara flow station and SPDC’s operations,” he stated.
The Commissioner emphasised that the Delta State Government ably led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is determined to provide an enabling environment for IOCs and investors in the State.
He said, “The disagreement between the host communities to Otumara flowstation and SPDC, which has to do with setting up a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), is a matter that can be resolved amicably. The Delta State Government is on top of the issue. We appeal to the host communities of Ugborodo, Ugboegungun and Deghele not to shut down the operations at Otumara flow station while the negotiations continue for a win-win resolution.”
Oyibode further noted that Governor Oborevwori was committed to fulfilling the pledge to restore the lost glory of Warri, the industrial hub, to sustain an enabling environment that will attract investors, boost the economy of the State and create jobs for the youths.
He said, “The 20,000 barrels per day SPDC facility in Otumara is of great economic importance to the Federal and Delta State Government. The State Government will continue to intervene when necessary, however, we implore the host communities and SPDC to explore the benefit of dialogue in resolving the disagreement.
“My team visited the communities and discussed extensively with stakeholders and leaders. I am going to brief His Excellency, the Governor when he returns from overseas on my fact-finding mission to the communities.”
