Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State Government has explained that it was acquiring SPDC stakes in OML11, for the interest of the host communities in the state.
Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee, disclosed this when members of Hostcom paid him a courtesy visit, recently.
Medee disclosed that his ministry was willing to partner with Hostcom in checkmating oil theft, sabotage and other related crimes in the petroleum sector, in other to attract more investment into the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to also inform you that the Rivers State Government is ready and willing to recognize that there is host community, and that is why the government is taking the opportunity now to acquire OML11.
“The Rivers State Government has interest in OML11 because what our people have been saying is that they are not benefiting from the resources in their land, this is what drive the government to acquire OML11, so that it can be returned to the host communities to own and have their percentage.”
Earlier, Chairman of Hostcom, Albert Awotu, called on all oil companies operating in the state to relocate their operational offices to their host communities.
Awotu also called for the establishment of Rivers State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, to stimulate economy growth in the state.
He said the commission, when established will enhance human capital development, thereby creating more rooms for employment.
“This commission, when created will bring development to every nook and cranny of Rivers State.
“The commission will promote and support awareness programmes and will also take up the responsibility of periodic sensitization programmes in the host communities and its environments.
“It will create awareness amongst the rural people and all stakeholders to foster the interest and well-being of the people of oil host communities in Rivers State.”