By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Government has solicited collaboration with International Oil Companies (IOCs) to implement host community trust fund.
The government is also seeking partnerships with the IOCs to reduce gas flaring and address environmental and health issues in the Niger Delta region in line with the global commitment to end flaring by 2030.
Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, made the call on Tuesday in his keynote address at a collaborative meeting with International Oil Companies and development partners in Abuja.
The Minister at the meeting sought support for the development of the Niger Delta region.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and synergy between critical stakeholders, especially IOCs and development partners, in achieving the region’s development goals.
A statement issued by Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, explained that the meeting was aimed at addressing, brainstorming, and sharing the visions of the Bola Tinubu-led administration with a focus on promoting greater synergy for enhanced results in the overall development of the Niger Delta region.
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According to the statement, “The Minister outlined the Ministry’s commitment to fast-tracking development through extra-budgetary provisions, despite financial shortfalls.”
He stressed the need for collaboration with IOCs to overcome the challenges and effectively discharge the Ministry’s mandate.
The areas of concern the minister harped on included peace and security in the region.
Momoh called for sustained peace and security to create a conducive atmosphere for government and private economic activities as well as empowerment as a vital aspect of collaborative engagement, with a focus on the youth and women who constitute a significant portion of the region’s population.
Besides, the Minister sought collaboration with IOCs to bring the fund to fruition, in line with a presidential directive and stipulations in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
On the strategic implementation work plan, the Minister solicited the IOCs collaboration in capturing projects and programs to ensure accountability and prevent duplication of developmental efforts in the region.
The Minister urged the IOCs to increase and expedite the completion of projects under their Corporate Social Responsibility scheme to address infrastructural gaps in the region.
He is also seeking technical support from IOCs to combat oil theft, with a call for proactive measures and collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Momoh called for support and collaboration from IOCs, industry players, and major stakeholders, expressing optimism about a productive interaction and the commitment of resources, expertise, and a shared vision to bring collective goals to fruition.
