From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has challenged multinational oil companies to show more commitment to capacity development and technical transfer in the course of their operations in the country
The governor however lamented the absence of standard fabrication companies in the Niger Delta region, observing that oil companies have over the years paid lip service to capacity building in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Emmanuel made the remark at the opening of the 2017 Nigeria
oil and gas opportunity fair tagged “Advancing Indigenous Participation in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry For National Development” at the Meredien Hotel and Gulf Resort, Uyo.
He suggested the need for the countries to show sincerrity in partnering governors in the region to set up skills development centers that can help in the technical transfer to meet the constant demands in the industry transfer than frequent travels abroad to expose people to such facilities.
The governor appealed for approval to access the Nigerian Content Development Fund, reasoning that this was important in view of the impending partnership of the state with some European firms for a skill development centre that will not just provide for oil and gas training, but also provide medium engineering training.
He called on the leadership of the respective Niger Delta states to begin the process of initiating regional interest in projects like rail transportation and refineries adding that advice and counsel of elders would enable the states to move in the right direction.
Governor Emmanuel described PANEF as an array of resourceful personalities with articulations and suggestions capable of reducing of militancy, restiveness in the Niger Delta region.
In his own contribution, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga said the advocacy for proper development of the Niger Delta region was a continuous issue on the path of truth against injustice and neglect, hoping that the present collaboration will facilitate freedom and liberty of the people of the Niger Delta.
Nkanga, who is the a former military governor of the Akwa Ibom State, noted that the price paid by previous leaders serves as “the opening chapters of the struggle with expectations of a closing chapter through the help of God, calling for a new approach in seeking and end to cases of injustice and socio-political challenge.
He said in recent moments, the people of the Nier Delta states have witnessed tremendous improvements in the cleaning of the environment, the construction of the East-West road , while there is still hope for the conversion of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron to
Federal university of Maritime Studies, adding: “We want action to spread to all the states of the Niger delta in the clean-up of communities against oil pollution.
The leader of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, said the purpose of the meeting was to review the position affecting the states of the Niger Delta region and make necessary representations to Mr. President and stakeholders, enjoining all members of the states to speak with open minds and one voice.
The Secretary of CCMB, Mr. Simba Wubo said the choice of Akwa Ibom for the maiden edition of the fair is appropriate, concerning the fact that the state is the largest producer of oil in the country.
He noted that the state would provide opportunities for multi-national oil companies to link up and utilize opportunities in the oil and gas industry as well as provide an avenue for the Nigerian government to strategies towards exploring availing opportunities in the oil and
gas industry.
Leave a Reply