Shell issues a warning against acts of sabotage and oil theft
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd has issued a cautionary statement against acts of sabotage and crude oil theft. This warning comes in the wake of three host communities in Delta State – Ogulagha, Iduwini Delta, and Iwereland – unveiling their development trusts in Warri on Thursday.
The introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 established Trusts as the primary platform for fostering the development of host communities. Through incorporation, these trusts gained legal support to attract resources and direct them towards community development.
During the unveiling ceremony of the three Delta host communities' development trusts at the Shell conference center in Ogonu, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of Shell and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, urged all stakeholders to support seamless operations to maximize the benefits of this new approach.
Dr. Alice Ajah, the Project Manager, NCDT, represented Okunbor during the event. She emphasized that the latest unveiling signifies significant progress in the Niger Delta under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). SPDC, along with its partners, remains committed to fostering positive relationships and cooperation with communities in the region.
The main highlight of the ceremony was the official introduction of the Chairmen and Board of Trustees for the three Delta Host Communities Development Trusts: Chief Anoruse MacDonald (Ogulagha), Benikurukuru Ibamugha (Iduwini Delta), and Alli Lemmy Omagbitse (Iwereland).
The Managing Director of Shell, in his speech, also mentioned that similar ceremonies had previously taken place in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
He pointed out that the journey of development was expected to extend from Delta to Imo State, as the SPDC JV was actively working to implement the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act related to community development in these four states, intending to incorporate a total of 22 Trusts.
"This unveiling is a testament to the progress being made in the Niger Delta under the PIA, with SPDC and its partners continuing to engage with communities in the region," he emphasized.
He highlighted that the PIA facilitates the amicable resolution of grievances between oil companies and all stakeholders, including communities, are encouraged to utilize these mechanisms when needed. Additionally, he cautioned that communities allowing internal conflicts and chieftaincy disputes to hinder the establishment or functioning of Trusts in their areas would be causing significant harm to themselves.
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