Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,has reiterated its dedication to fostering lasting peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta by working closely with the region’s host communities.
Its Group CEO,Mallam Mele Kyari, emphasized this during a dialogue session with Niger Delta communities, organized in collaboration 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 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.
The session was part of the citizen assembly engagements, held as a precursor to the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP) 29, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. Representing Kyari at the event was Mr. Sani Kabo, Head of Business Services at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS),the company’s spokesman,Femi Soneye said in a statement.
He noted that this dialogue represents a significant step towards strengthening unity and advancing development in the region through the Third Phase Amnesty Program.
He expressed NNPC Ltd’s commitment to ongoing discussions with traditional leaders,ex-agitators, and youth representatives, aimed at addressing local concerns and rebuilding trust across the nine states in the Niger Delta.
He said the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), has provided for the allocation of 3% of NNPC Ltd’s operational expenditures (OPEX) for community development.
He explained that the initiative will ensure that projects align with the priorities of the communities, while also promoting skills acquisition, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood programs for their long-term benefit.
He added:“Our goal 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 in building a prosperous future founded on mutual respect and collaboration”.