PANDEF Demands Equity In Oil Block Allocations

The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has called on the Federal Government to reserve a significant percentage of oil blocks and marginal fields for Niger Delta-owned companies, citing decades of environmental degradation and economic exclusion in the region.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, PANDEF, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, in Abuja.

The statement, expresses concern over the continued suffering of communities in the oil-rich region despite Nigeria’s huge earnings from crude oil and gas resources.

It explains that communities across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states continue to grapple with pollution, gas flaring and destruction of their ecosystems, resulting in poor living conditions and health challenges for residents.

The statement questions the benefits accruing to host communities, noting that many rivers and underground water sources in the region have remained polluted for years without adequate remediation.

It also calls for greater transparency in the management and utilisation of gas flare penalties, insisting that such funds should be channelled towards addressing environmental and developmental challenges in the Niger Delta.

According to the statement, the people of the region have not enjoyed commensurate benefits from the resources extracted from their land, describing the situation as an injustice that requires urgent government intervention.

The statement further urges the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive audit and probe of previous commercial bid rounds conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of oil blocks.

It advocates that at least 60 per cent of future oil blocks and marginal fields be reserved for companies owned by Niger Deltans as a way of promoting inclusion and giving host communities a greater sense of ownership.

It also calls for the establishment of a legal framework to regulate and support artisanal refining activities in the Niger Delta, arguing that local refiners should be integrated into the nation’s energy value chain rather than being treated solely as illegal operators.

According to the statement PANDEF maintains that addressing environmental concerns, promoting local participation in the oil and gas industry and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits remain critical to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

PR/Georgina Humphrey