Delta Reiterates Support For Implementation of PIA, Warns Against Shortchanging Oil Producing Communities
The Delta State Government has reiterated its total commitment and support for the full implementation of agreements between host communities and oil companies in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
The deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme gave the assurance at a sensitization workshop on the implementation of the PIA Act 2021, organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC,), in collaboration with Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited for host communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.
Sir Onyeme said that even though the PIA was not a perfect document, the state government would continue to promote peace and harmonious work environment between host communities and oil companies.
He let it be known that the state government will not in any way tolerate any attempt to shortchange host communities.
The deputy governor who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe, advised host communities to endeavour to secure oil companies’ facilities in their areas to guarantee their entitlements to the three percent fund as spelt out in the PIA Act 2021.
Addressing participants at the sensitization exercise, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said the enactment of the PIA 2021 and the subsequent regulation of the petroleum industry marked a turning point in the effort to achieve sustainable development of host communities.
Represented by Mr. Akpotowho Kennedy, Engr. Komolafe remarked that the commission recognised the pivotal role of host communities in the Nigeria oil and gas sector, noting that resources from host communities had enormously contributed to the nation’s economic growth, hence the need for them to be adequately sensitized on the importance of chapter three of the PIA Act.
Consultant to NUPRC and Chief Executive Officer of Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited, Chief George Bucknor said the purpose of the workshop was to sensitize host communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of their social benefits in line with sections 234 and 240 as opposed to section 257(2) of PIA 2021.
Chief Bucknor said that the sensitization programme was also to facilitate compliance to the provisions of chapter 3 of the PIA 2021 and also to pprovide timely and accurate information to the commission regarding non-compliance by the host community development trustees or settlor within the applicable laws among several other objectives.
Traditional rulers including the Obi of Aboh, His Majesty, Dr. Gregory Nnamdi Oputa 111 and others from host communities in Ndokwa East commended the initiative, promising to safeguard oil facilities in their domain
There were talks on the importance of the stakeholders engagement regarding the petroleum community direct social benefits by Mr. Chris Agina of Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited as well as an interactive session by participants.
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