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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The House of Representatives Public Petition Committee has directed the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, to ensure that the Oil-Producing Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State receives its due share of appointments and project allocations in future budgets. This decision aims to prevent a repeat of the alleged deprivation suffered by the region in the 2024 budget and to adequately compensate the oil and gas-producing communities for their denied entitlements as host communities.
The directive follows a petition submitted to the House by the Benin National Congress (BNC) regarding the alleged “unwarranted marginalization and exploitation of the Oil and Gas producing communities of Edo State” by the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, particularly in the allocation of projects in the 2024 budget.
The Public Petition Committee report, released in Benin City, acknowledges the BNC’s concerns and emphasizes the need to avoid repeating the Minister’s alleged bias. The report also recommends ensuring adequate compensation for the deprivation suffered by the region in the 2024 budget.
However, the BNC President, Amb. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, considers the committee’s recommendation insufficient. He emphasizes the need for continued action until all benefits associated with oil production, including appointments, are rightfully allocated to the Benin oil-producing communities.
The BNC further highlights the historical significance of the oil and gas resources in Edo South Senatorial District and their role in securing benefits for Edo State. They emphasize that the appointment of Mr. Abubakar Momoh as Niger Delta Affairs Minister is directly tied to the oil and gas potential of Edo South, the only oil-producing senatorial district in the state.
The BNC also reiterates the need for Edo South Senatorial District to receive priority over the other two senatorial districts in terms of benefits derived from oil and gas production. They condemn the allocation of 95% of the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs’ capital projects to the non-oil-producing Estako Land.
Amb. Edokpolo expresses gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kassim Shettima, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, Oba of Benin Ewuare II, National Assembly members from Edo State, and the BNC Board of Trustees for their support during the struggle.
The BNC remains committed to protecting the dignity of the Benin nation and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine its land and people. They will continue to fight for the rightful entitlements of the Benin Oil Communities and resist any efforts to sideline their collective intelligence, culture, and heritage.
