The Edo State Government has urged local communities to protect oil and gas installations in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, Ethan Uzamere, who stated this during the official commissioning of the Efe Field OML152 in Orhionmwon Local Council, said the asset would boost Edo State’s contribution to the nation’s ability to meet its oil production allocation by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
He said: “On behalf of Edo State Government, I want to specially congratulate Newcross Petroleum Limited for this feat as you have secured the start-up and stabilisation of production from the Efe field – OML152.
“I know it gives your management a sense of fulfilment as today serves as a landmark for your success story ever since you showed interest in this asset. I know that ever since you fulfilled all regulatory requirements for the conversion of the asset here from an Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) phase to an Oil Mining License (OML) phase, you have not relented in your pursuit that has led to this commissioning. I am impressed with the level of work and commitment you have put into achieving this milestone.”
“We have a security architecture that is community-based. Some of the infrastructure we have very close here in Orhionmwon built by Governor Godwin Obaseki include the Abudu Township Road with three adjoining streets and a bridge. Others are Ugo Skills Acquisition Centre in Niyekorhionmwon and the Town Hall in Obazogbe-Nugu. We have also completed the new Police Area Command Office in Urhomehe. There are more to come in our efforts as a government to improve and protect the well-being of our residents.
“We urge you to explore collaboration with us along this line in the downstream sector, especially in areas of oil and gas parks and refineries. We want to make Edo State the energy hub of Nigeria.”
He said the state oil and gas ministry had a robust and active collaboration with security agencies to protect investments in oil and gas across the state, adding: “We will deepen our collaboration with you to help secure this facility. This is critical as attacks on this installation or others will affect revenue targets from the oil sector.
According to research, oil bunkering, theft and other maladies are due to absence of critical community partnerships.
I will implore you to take your role as citizens in Edo State seriously and be active in many projects that promote health, education and socio-economic development.”
Credit: The Gaudian