Niger Delta: Group demands engagement with FG over oil production

A group, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF), has said it has brainstormed on issues in the oil and gas industry and their impacts on sustainable peace and development in the region.

According to a communique released on Wednesday, after its meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 

Saturday, August 17, signed by representatives of over 20 nations in the region, the group said there is need for constructive dialogue between the federal government and its agencies, such as regulators in the oil and gas industry and the people of the Niger Delta. 

The group said the approach is essential to addressing the long-standing issues in the oil and gas sector and ensuring that the voices of the region’s inhabitants are heard and respected.

The communique read: “Following extensive discussions on the critical issues affecting the Niger Delta region, the forum emphasised the importance of continuous engagement and constructive dialogue between the federal government and its agencies, such as regulators in the oil and gas industry and the people of the Niger Delta.

“We also wish to commend the Group Chief executive officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kolo Kyari, for engaging indigenous firms, such as Tantita Security Services, which has so far employed over 26,000 young people as vanguards in the fight against economic sabotage in the region, which is clearly yielding positive results.

“The forum called for a renewed focus on sustainable development initiatives that directly benefit the communities in the Niger Delta. This includes prioritising infrastructure development, environmental preservation, and the creation of employment opportunities for the youth. Youth empowerment programs and initiatives must be properly designed to truly empower and not to impress the public.

“The forum urged the government and relevant regulatory bodies to demonstrate transparency and accountability in their operations. This includes the thorough conduct of the ongoing Senate and House of Representatives joint committee investigations into the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other energy security concerns in the country. The youths and the people of the region should be included in the joint investigation to contribute their insights and ensure accountability from all parties involved.

“The Niger Delta is peaceful and habitable, arguably more so than many other regions in the country. Therefore, it is a great disservice to the region and an insult to our sensibilities that oil companies choose to locate their headquarters far away instead of within the Niger Delta. Just as our oil is vital to them, it is equally important to us that they operate from within the region.

“The forum advocated for a fair and equitable distribution of employment opportunities for qualified youths in the region in the ongoing 2024 NNPCL employment, calling for a 60% employment ratio for the Niger Delta region to ensure that its sons and daughters play a significant role in overseeing oil and gas activities in their area.”