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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri has urged the people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as development-driven and committed to the growth of the region.
According to a statement issued over the weekend, Lokpobiri made the call at the 60th birthday and book launch of His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, where he served as Chairman of the occasion.
The minister noted that President Tinubu has shown intentional leadership by ensuring the full operationalisation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allocates three per cent of the operating expenditure of oil companies to host communities through the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
“This administration is not just making promises; it is delivering. The Host Community Trust Fund is a clear demonstration that President Tinubu is deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta. Our people must not take this opportunity for granted,” Lokpobiri said.
He cautioned against acts of sabotage such as pipeline vandalism and disputes over fund management, warning that they undermine both the government and the communities themselves.
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“When you blow up the pipelines, you are not just sabotaging the federal government; you are also blowing up your own three per cent share of revenue and destroying your environment. That is not activism; it’s economic suicide,” he warned.
The minister further pointed to other developmental strides by the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Science and the revival of abandoned projects, stressing that they reflect a clear vision to uplift the Niger Delta and integrate it into the national development plan.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu for his support to the region and praised Lokpobiri for ensuring that benefits due to the Niger Delta reach the people.
“I thank President Tinubu for his support to us, and I commend our brother, Senator Lokpobiri, for ensuring that the President’s developmental drives get to us. When there will be an amendment of the PIA, the State should be included in the management of the three per cent Host Community Funds because you need the State Government to help manage the people,” Diri said.
Lokpobiri stressed that peace, security, and accountability remain non-negotiable pillars for sustaining growth in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, even as he commended members of NDA Course 38 who attended the celebration in honour of their mate, King Dakolo.
