Akwa IBOM urges for effective collaboration in controlling production, sales of gas
Amos Odeh, Yenogoa
The Akwa – IBOM state government says its ministry of environment and petroleum resources has reiterated the need of evolving policy to enhance effective collaboration in controlling the production, distribution and sales of liquified petroleum gas ( LPG)
Speaking to Wawa News Global on the sidelines of the three day National Council on Hydrocarbon in Yenagoa, Engr Emmanuel Inyang, Head of Petroleum Resources, Akwa IBOM state Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources said the onus of its paper is to create awareness in the utilization of gas for domestic purposes and spur up interest of Nigerians to quick business.
According to him “these businesses run through the different level of the value chain of gas utilization such as production,distribution and sales”
Engr. Emmanuel Inyang who represented the state commissioner of Environment and Petroleum Resources posited that the state has observed that there have been violation of regulations, sharp practices in the sitting, licensing and operation of gas plants and retail outlets in the country, there is danger of sitting gas plants right in the midst of residential buildings , near restaurants , welding shop, mechanic workshop as well as other places with naked fire and parks and that retail outlets licensed to exchange gas cylinders in line with specified operational guidelines, embarking on cylinder to cylinder refill poses serious risk of fire outbreak .
He also bemoan sitting gas plants and retail outlet areas that violate government environmental regulations and master plan and condemned the sitting which has been responsible for incessant gas explosion that lead to loss of lives and properties across the country.
He therefore urged the council to evolve a policy that will effectively monitor the operations of domestic gas business to save lives and properties as well as make policy that will promote effective collaboration and synergy among state and Federal agencies in licensing and monitoring of Operations of the downstream oil and gas business.
He also disclose that to further boost the positive image of Akwa IBOM as one of the most peaceful oil producing states in the Niger Delta region with less crises between oil producing communities and Multinational corporation, the state ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Resources and companies has planed to hold a workshop that would sensitive the Akwa IBOM state oil producing communities on the need for a peaceful co existence between the oil companies and their host communities.
He said eminent personalities are expected to present papers on peace building for the audience which will be drawn from the traditional rulers, youth leaders , opinion leaders and various stakeholders.
He said the workshop is also to sensitize and enlighten the people on the need to foster cordial relationship to reduce restiveness which are inimical to improved production of oil and gas which is the mainstay of Nigerian economy, just as he has adduced reasons why Akwa IBOM state has continued to be the most peaceful oil producing states in the Niger Delta region, despite the preponderant of kidnapping of oil workers, pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering and other nefarious activities that have portend negative image, but have forced most oil companies to relocate their headquarters to other conducive and peaceful states with their attendant consequences.
He posited that to reiterate the need for peaceful co – existence between the oil companies and oil producing communities in Akwa IBOM state, the state in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources are to organise a a summit on how to sensitize and enlighten the people of Akwa lbom state.
He said, the state government has been holding regular interface and dialogue between oil companies and state government on one hand and between the oil companies and oil producing communities on the other hand to avoid any friction that would impede peace in the state . He also disclosed that the state has established a template on memorandum of understanding which the oil and host communities must study before operation to avoid cheating.” Since the exploration and exploitation of oil began in Akwa lbom state , we have being peaceful with the oil companies”
He said during the summit, experts and professionals in conflict resolutions are going to also enlighten Akwalbomites on the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill ( PIB ) before the National Assembly as to enable them make inputs before its final passage .He also disclosed that Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board will not only deliver two papers, but will use the opportunity to educate the people of Akwa – lbom state the availability of the local content loan to assist indigenous oil companies and how to access it.
He disclosed that this novel collaboration between the state government and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources which will be attended by the state governor. His Excellency , Emmanuel Udom and it will attract who is who in the oil industries, captain of industry , oil servicing companies, representatives of the host communities, traditional rulers , youth and community based groups, non governmental organizations ( NGOs ) the federal and state oil and Environment ministries, state and National Assembly members .
About The Author
More Stories
Abia ex-lawmaker, Apugo gifts N300k each to kinsmen to mark 50th birthday
Delays in payment of retirement benefits: Ex-Abia perm secs send SoS to Otti
How to prevent irreversible blindness from glaucoma – Experts * As Abia declares free eye test