– Criticizes the exclusion of local communities from oil resource management

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Worldwide, has stated that local communities in the Niger Delta are being deliberately left out of choices regarding oil resources taken from their territories, and has called on state governors and regional partners to quickly seek bids for oil blocks and small fields before they are given to external parties.

Maobuye Nangi-Obu, the Secretary-General of IYC Worldwide, issued the statement during a stakeholders’ gathering hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, attended by delegates from Rivers, Abia, and Imo States.

The main focus of his speech was the recent selection of around 25 marginal oil fields for distribution, resources situated within Niger Delta communities but allegedly being given to people and organizations from outside the area.

Lesser-known areas, typically considered unprofitable by large corporations, offer opportunities for local small businesses and have long been a source of conflict regarding the management of natural resources.

I believe it’s time for the Rivers State government to establish oil companies capable of competing for the marginal fields located within Rivers State,” Nangi-Obu stated. “They are based in Abuja and make decisions regarding our area, yet we are excluded from the oil management of our own region.

He also expressed worries about directional drilling, a method that enables companies to retrieve oil from under a specific area while drilling from a faraway location.

“There might be oil wells in this area, and someone could be drilling for oil in Yenagoa without you being aware,” he warned.

According to Nangi-Obu, gas flaring continues to be a significant problem in the Niger Delta, as both global and local companies release gas because of insufficient regional processing facilities.

“This constitutes an unresolved injustice for host communities that face the environmental and financial impacts,” he stated.

Although there were critical comments about the industry as a whole, Nangi-Obu specifically highlighted PINL for praise, commending its involvement with stakeholders as an example for others.

“Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited is taking the correct approach by involving local stakeholders. We are not here to criticize other companies, but not all of them are acting in the same way as PINL,” he stated.

The gathering also included input from established leaders who presented a more hopeful outlook.

Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, King Kevin Anugwo, represented by Ada Ekpeye-Logbo, Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, stated that PINL’s activities have led to visible environmental restoration in his area.

“Fish species that disappeared during the height of oil pollution and bunkering activities are now making a comeback in local waters,” he stated, calling on the Federal Government to enhance support for the company’s initiatives.

Chief Batom Mitee, head of the K-Dere Council of Chiefs, stated that the arrival of PINL has brought back peace and stability to his area. He promised ongoing backing for pipeline safety but highlighted that increased oil production should provide real advantages to the local communities.

The gathering emphasized the continuous conflicts among resource management, environmental protection, and fair local development in the Niger Delta, while showcasing PINL’s stakeholder-centered strategy as a possible example for reducing disputes and promoting shared growth.