Lokpobiri warns oil communities against incessant crises

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has warned oil communities in the Niger Delta region over the incessant crises which are hindering development.

He noted that infighting and litigation arising from three percent Host Community Development Trust Fund had stalled development in several oil communities.

Lokpobiri who stated this in Yenagoa during the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum with the theme: ‘’Envisioning Sustainable Community Development in Niger Delta Host Communities: Identifying Challenges and Actualising the PIA Paradigm Shift’’ said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was enacted to promote stability in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking to a cross-section of stakeholders from Koluama, Ezetu, Fishtown, Ekeni, Sangana, Ogbobiri, Opu- Okumbiri, Forupa in Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas, he called for an end to crises so that host communities can maximise the benefit of the funds.

He disclosed that over N300 billion that should have been used for the development of the oil communities was trapped because of several cases of litigation.

Lokpobiri stated that the forum aimed to appeal to oil communities to sheathe their swords and allow development to flourish in their communities. He hinted that he would soon convene a stakeholder engagement with oil communities in oil-producing states to preach the message of peace.

While recommending the KEFFESO model to oil communities, he applauded First E& P for being a strategic partner.  ‘’This is KEFFESO community stakeholder’s engagement to maximise the benefits of the 3% Host Community Trust Fund as prescribed by the PIA.  I came to essentially speak to let them know that this is the beginning of taking ownership, of taking a stake in the oil and gas sector.

‘’Anytime there is any disruption, everybody loses, the federal government, oil companies, and host communities lose. That is why I said it is important that they take this message home and let them work with us.  Stakeholders, the federal government, companies, and host communities should work together as stakeholders who have respective stakes in oil and gas operations in the country.

‘’ I recommended the KEFFESO model to all parts of the country where there are oil and gas operations. Part of the plan is to engage oil and gas stakeholders in all the states.  We are going to take this message to them.  Many people complaining now do not know the opportunities that are available as far as 3% PIA provision. I came today to tell them that it is important that we work together. The time has come for us to change our mindset as far as oil and gas are concerned.  This is not just a forum to speak to KEFFESO or communities in Bayelsa but communities that produce gas and oil in the Niger Delta region,’’ he said.