Asaba, Delta State — December 2, 2025: The Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejetobor, on Tuesday presented and defended his ministry’s proposed 2026 budget before the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Oil and Gas, chaired by Hon. Festus Utuama, member representing Ughelli South Constituency.
Speaking shortly after the budget defence, Hon. Uviejetobor said the ministry had recorded impressive achievements in the outgoing year, especially in stabilising relations between host communities and oil companies operating in the state.
He noted that the ministry’s performance remained strong despite challenges, adding that his team was working tirelessly to ensure Delta State maintained its position as one of the most peaceful oil-producing states in Nigeria.
“My ministry has actually performed excellently,” Uviejetobor said.
“From the strength of our team, it is clear we still have a lot of work ahead. We are confident of achieving 100 per cent implementation.”
The commissioner stressed that the ministry had played a critical role in mediating disputes between oil companies and host communities, ensuring that business activities continued without disruption.
“We serve as mediators between the oil companies and the host communities, and through our interventions, Delta State has remained peaceful,” he added.
“Since I emerged as Commissioner for Oil and Gas, we have continued to work hard to ensure stability and progress in the sector. The issue of oil and gas is straightforward because we understand the terrain very well.”
House Committee Scores Ministry ‘Average’, Demands Higher Performance in 2026
Responding during the session, the Chairman of the House Committee on Oil and Gas, Hon. Festus Utuama, commended the ministry for its efforts in conflict resolution but noted that more improvement was needed in the coming year.
When asked what Deltans should expect in terms of performance in 2026, Utuama said:
“In terms of performance, I would rate them very high, especially in community resolution and conflict management — they have done well in those areas.”
However, he pointed out that performance must also be measured based on available resources and how efficiently they are utilised.
“To properly assess performance, you must consider the resources made available to them. Based on that, I would score them around 50,” he said.
“So far so good. From their average performance, they’ve done well, and we are expecting even more from them next year.”
The committee assured that it would continue to provide legislative support to ensure the ministry delivers on its mandate of ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development in Delta State’s oil and gas sector.
