Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said only a good relationship with the host community can guarantee a safe operational environment for oil and gas companies.
Oborevwori said this while playing host to top management staff of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, buyer of SPDC's shares in NNPC/SPDC/TOTAL/AGIP Joint Ventures, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
The Governor, who noted that crude oil was the mainstay of the nation's economy, harped on the need for a strong and sustainable partnership that delivers values to all stakeholders.
He called on oil companies operating in the state to institutionalise mutually-beneficial relationship with their host communities by carrying them along so as to inspire the much needed trust and confidence that would enhance their operations.
While assuring them of a safe operational environment that would protect their investments, he insisted that the state does not play with security.
“I believe more in dialogue than confrontation. And, with you at the top in this company, I believe that you will do well.
“I want to assure you people that your operations here are safe. Delta state is one of the most peaceful states today in the South-South. So, your investment is very safe here.
“Our major stay in this country is oil. So, there must be a relationship with the host community. Once you have a good relationship with them and they are carried along, you don't have a problem.
“All our oil facilities are safe and since I came in, there has not been any record of attack on oil facilities.
“Today, we are the highest oil- producing state and I pray we will continue to be number one. So, let us build a strong partnership that delivers value to all the stakeholders.
“The state will support you to succeed because, as you do, we will also succeed as we also get our taxes from there. I assure you of the total support of the government,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the company, Dr. Layi Fatoma, who thanked the Governor for granting them an audience, said they were at the Government House to formally introduce the management of the company to him (Governor Oborevwori), just as he thanked him for the support that he had given to Shell.
