NNPC Ltd Reaffirms Commitment To Lasting Peace, Prosperity In Niger Delta
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to lasting peace and economic prosperity of the Niger Delta region.
Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the national oil company, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this during a dialogue session with the Niger Delta communities held in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South) Hon. Gift Johnbull, at the Igurubia Square Ultra-Modern Town Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.
NNPC Ltd., in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye disclosed that the session was also part of the citizen assembly engagements, which is a side event of the forthcoming Climate of Parties (COP) 29 Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, this year.
Kyari, who was represented at the occasion by the Head Business Services of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Sani Kabo, said the engagement marked an important step in the journey to strengthen unity and promote development in the region through the Third Phase Amnesty Program.
According to the GCEO, the NNPC Ltd is committed to sustained dialogue with traditional, ex-agitators and youth leaders towards addressing local concerns and restoring trust across the nine Niger Delta states.
Kyari said the coming of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has emplaced allocation of 3% of NNPC Ltd’s operational expenditures (OPEX) to community development, a development that will ensure projects reflect the communities’ priorities whilst investing in skills acquisition, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood initiatives for the benefit of the various communities.
“Our mission is clear. We are committed to fostering lasting peace, creating economic opportunities and transforming the Niger Delta into a model of unity and progress. NNPC Ltd stands with the Niger Delta as it builds a prosperous future that is driven by mutual respect and collaboration,” Kyari concluded.
