•Crude oil
A group under the auspices of Abuja Ethnic Youth Coalition for Peace has called on the stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly those from oil-producing communities, to consider holding Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021-related meetings in the region instead of Abuja.
The group said holding such a meeting in Abuja has no direct relevance to the indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT ) just as they called the leadership of the region to conduct such a meeting in the area for transparency and accountability.
Addressing journalists during a protest at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Council (NUPRC) in Abuja yesterday the National President of the coalition, Shewkonugaza Yakubu said the practice not only incurs unnecessary costs but also distances the decision-making process from the very people it affects, reports Daily Independent.
The statement read in part, ”Today, we stand on the soil of our nation’s capital not to disrupt the peace we so dearly cherish, but to amplify a voice of unity and strength with our compatriots from the heart of the Niger Delta. We have gathered here under the banner of the Abuja Ethnic Youth Coalition for Peace to engage in a dialogue of paramount importance for the future of our region and our people.
“We acknowledge, with profound respect, the sacrifices made by the valiant men and women who have tirelessly championed an inclusive Niger Delta. Their struggle has centered around the vision of a region where promises of infrastructure development and improved living standards for our children are not mere words, but tangible realities.
“Nevertheless, our assembly here today is underscored by a pressing need for reformation in how Niger Delta regional matters are addressed. We call upon all stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly those from oil-producing communities, to reconsider the habitual convening in Abuja for meetings that bear no direct relevance to the indigenous people of Abuja.
“This practice not only incurs unnecessary costs but also distances the decision-making process from the very people it affects. We urge the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, to further the government’s admirable efforts in cost-cutting and plugging financial leakages by refraining from hosting such meetings in Abuja. The NUPRC has a fully operational facility in Warri, Delta State, which should serve as the primary venue for these critical discussions.
“We intended to engage with the concerned stakeholders in person this morning, however, in their absence, we are compelled to communicate our position through the media, trusting that our message will resonate with the intended audience.
“It is a common practice for Northern leaders to convene in Kaduna, their regional bastion, ensuring that their deliberations are rooted in the context of their locality. The Niger Delta stakeholders should follow suit, embracing the opportunity to hold discussions in their terrain. Their meetings should be conducted with dignity and transparency, allowing for direct interaction with their people.
“Moreover, convening within the Niger Delta would foster a greater sense of ownership and participation among community members. It would encourage local engagement and ensure that the voices of those most impacted by the oil industry are heard and considered. This proximity to the heart of the issues would also facilitate quicker resolution of challenges, allowing for the development of more relevant and effective strategies”
In conclusion, we urge the dissemination of this message far and wide, so that future Niger Delta stakeholder meetings concerning the PIA and related matters are convened within the region, in Warri or other prominent cities.
“Let us stand united in this endeavor, as we endeavor to carve a path towards a future where the aspirations of the Niger Delta are championed within its borders.
“Also speaking at the protest was Victor Udoh. He said, “We are saying that the groups that insist on meeting in Abuja to discuss PIA issues are avoiding transparency. We, the Niger Delta people, challenge ourselves to maintain the confidentiality of our discussions within the region and to propose any necessary amendments to the PIA.
“We have our senators, constituencies, and town hall meetings where we can deliberate. For now, the PIA is functioning as intended, following the full removal of fuel subsidy and the expansion of deregulation.
“We have requested from the federal government that the president grant indigenous licenses in a manner the anchor borrowers’ programme. While we continue to advocate for this, we do not currently see a need to amend the PIA. Laws evolve with society, and should issues arise during the implementation phase, we will identify and discuss any necessary amendments.
“We are not issuing ultimatums to any management of NUPRC; our message is to our Niger Delta brethren to reconsider the location of our meetings. We want them to be held within our region.
“Finally, I had hoped for a face-to-face meeting today to present our positions. The Niger Delta people are among the most educated and civilized, although
we may be volatile when necessary. But our current stance is clear: we must prioritize dialogue over confrontation. Conversation is the key to resolving our issues peacefully and constructively.
“Solidarity is essential in our efforts. We must come together, not just as leaders or stakeholders, but as the people of the Niger Delta, to ensure our voices are heard and our rights are respected. It is through unity and collective action that we can safeguard the interests of our region.
“In closing, I urge all those involved in the ongoing discourse to maintain focus on the wellbeing of the Niger Delta and its inhabitants. Let’s strive for meetings and discussions that are accessible, transparent, and reflective of the community’s desires. It is through this approach that we can achieve the progress and change we seek for our people”.
