The Commissioner for Oil and Gas in Delta State, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, has shared what his ministry has done in the last two years under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership.
Speaking to journalists in Asaba, the state capital, the Commissioner said that the main job of his ministry is to make sure oil companies and the communities where they work live peacefully together. He said, “We are like referees between the oil companies and the communities.”
What the Ministry Has Done So Far
The Commissioner explained that a special law called the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) helps to guide how oil companies should treat the communities where they work. According to the law, oil companies must give 3% of their income to help the local communities, and a group called the Board of Trustees (BOT) will manage that money.
He said the ministry has helped solve many problems between oil companies and communities. Here are some of them:
- SEEPCO and Okpai Community: There was a problem, but it was settled peacefully using the PIA rules.
- Ewu Community and Umughini Pipeline Company: Two families had issues with the company, and the ministry helped them resolve it.
- Oboro Urban Community: The Commissioner helped settle a fight over money-sharing and other serious issues.
- Heritage Energy Ltd and Emeragha Community: The ministry stopped a big fight that could have become dangerous.
- Umukuata Kingdom and Platform Petroleum: Peace was restored between the oil company and the community.
- Irri Community and Oando Plc: There was a problem because a company worker disrespected the king. The ministry stepped in, and things are better now.
- Heritage Ltd and a family called “Oil family”: They had a disagreement over rent. The ministry is still helping them talk and make peace.
The Commissioner also talked about a case between Ogharefe and Ogharaki communities in Oghara Kingdom. These two communities were arguing about who owns an oil well. The ministry found that the oil well is less than 500 meters from both communities, which means both have a right to benefit from it. So, they decided:
- 40% of the oil money goes to Ogharefe
- 40% goes to Ogharaki
- 20% is kept safe until the true owner is confirmed
Plans for the Future
Hon. Uviejitobor said his goal is to:
- Get oil companies and communities to talk more often.
- Teach young people in the communities how to work with their hands and learn new skills so they won’t get involved in fighting or damaging oil pipelines.
Fighting Oil Theft and Pipeline Damage
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frank Omoko, also spoke. He said the ministry is teaching people about the dangers of damaging oil pipelines. These actions reduce oil production and are dangerous. Thanks to these teachings, there has been a drop in oil theft.
He also said the ministry is making sure oil companies pay communities what they are owed. For example, Heritage Oil Company paid money to Olomoro Community after the Commissioner stepped in.
Governor Oborevwori’s Achievements
The Commissioner praised Governor Oborevwori, saying he has done very well. He said the governor’s “MORE Agenda” (which means Meaningful Development, Opportunities, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) is helping the state grow. He pointed out:
- New bridges being built in Warri.
- Smooth roads from Warri to Asaba, which now take less to drive.
He ended by saying, “Because our ministry is succeeding, it means the governor is succeeding too.”
In simple words: Delta State’s Oil and Gas Ministry has been helping oil companies and communities to live in peace, solve problems, and make sure everyone gets what they deserve. They are also working hard to stop oil theft and pipeline damage, while helping young people learn skills. The governor is doing a good job, and the state is moving forward.
