Dr. Ibiere Jones, Commissioner of Mineral Resources, Bayelsa State
Bayelsa state is the home and host of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Nigeria first oil was discovered and exploration activities started in the state hence it has long history of the country’s oil and gas industry.
Therefore, being host of the 4th Edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2023, Governor Douye Diri, during his address and opening ceremony commended Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of NCDMB for improving Bayelsa economy through the Board.
He was represented by Dr. Ibiere Jones, Commissioner for Mineral Resources who bemoaned the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that does not give recognition to state but despite this development, Bayelsa ensures it supports operators because it understands the need of the country. He said Nigeria is a monoculture economy focusing only on oil which is not palatable for development.
Dr. Jones noted that in the past three years there has been peace in Bayelsa state following efforts by the state governor to ensure such exits. He commended the PIA but it is skewed because only 3% overhead is for the state while NNPC has a whopping percentage through frontier exploration.
The Commissioner recalled an incident that happened through NNPC exploration and production division in Bayelsa, where there was gas spill. According to him the response was poor and the facility was not well maintained.
But in a swift reaction, the GCEO of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari said he was not aware of any gas spill and was not contacted as claimed by the Commissioner who said futile efforts were made to get his attention.
Dr. Jones urged oil companies to maintain pipeline facilities under their watch adding that if the environment is not safe people will revolt. The state government is also appealing to youths not to distort exploration.
Speaking the mind of the governor, he said in the PIA, Host Community Bill not yet passed and is hampering community development plans. He charged companies to make sure NCDMB training centres works. They should also collaborate with the government of the day to fast track development.
Bayelsa also needs support and collaboration from oil companies for development across the state.
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