Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — President Bola Tinubu has called on host communities in the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers State, to protect strategic national assets and embrace peace for sustainable development in the oil-producing areas.
The appeal came during the inauguration of the $400 million Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal, developed by Green Energy International Limited, GEIL, in Andoni Local Government Area.
Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, President Tinubu noted that the benefits of fossil resources could only be realized through responsible extraction and community cooperation.
“I urge the Ogoni people and host communities to recognize that the benefits of fossil resources are real but can only be realized through responsible extraction and value creation,” Lokpobiri said.
“With continued peace and partnership, this terminal will catalyze economic transformation for the nation and the Ogoni people alike.”
He cautioned against sabotage and restated the administration’s commitment to maintaining stability across oil-producing areas, noting that the Otakikpo facility would boost employment, industrialization, and local revenue.
Lokpobiri further commended GEIL for its engagement model with the host communities, describing it as “a practical demonstration of how collaboration delivers prosperity for all stakeholders.”
Community leaders at the event expressed optimism that the project would open new economic opportunities in Andoni and neighboring local government areas.
