Bayelsa State Government has directed the leadership of Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state to reopen all closed oil wells belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC.
This move according to the state government will allow for smooth operations of the company.
Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Oil and Gas Matters, Mr Felix Ayah, who gave the order at a parley with the community leaders and representatives in Yenagoa, said it was necessary for the community to allow for smooth operations on the sites while dialogue continues, to pave way for sustainable peaceful co-existence between the community and the oil company.
The Ogboinbiri community had shut down operations of the company following conflict with the multinational over the non-provision of basic amenities. The action halted the company’s operations in the area.
According to Ayah, the meeting was to, “seek solutions to issues bothering on non-implementation of people oriented projects which culminated in the shutting down of the company operations in the area.
The state government will invite officials of NAOC over the various unresolved issues raised by the leadership of Ogboiniri community.”
He assured aggrieved host communities in the state of government’s efforts and sincerity in settling their differences, regretting that most host communities have been deprived of social amenities such as health care services, portable water, and electricity, among others by multinationals oil companies operating in their domain.
