Call for Collaboration: Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, head of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has issued a call for closer collaboration with International Oil Companies (IOCs) to accelerate sustainable development in the region.
Shared Responsibility: Ogbuku emphasized the need for joint efforts, stating that legacy projects are too costly for any single entity. He urged IOCs to consider bulk payments instead of quarterly installments for better planning and execution.
Community Focus: The NDDC head also sought partnerships for community development, citing the Ogbia-Nembe Road project as a successful collaboration with Shell. He encouraged other companies to follow suit.
Ministerial Oversight: Niger Delta Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, outlined the ministry’s role in facilitating stakeholder cooperation. He criticized some oil companies for neglecting host communities and questioned the absence of crucial infrastructure projects like the Warri-Escravos road.
Funding Concerns: Momoh stressed the importance of timely 3% annual oil return remittances from IOCs, crucial for optimal NDDC performance.
Industry Response: While acknowledging their commitment to the 3% obligation, Deputy Managing Director of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Dr. Richard Orianzi, praised the NDDC’s new leadership for seeking stronger engagement for faster development in oil-producing communities.
Timipre Abowei