Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated that his administration would not allow any exploitation of host communities by oil companies, nor would it permit these communities to disrupt oil production. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced and cooperative relationship between the oil companies and the local communities for the overall benefit of the state.
Governor Oborevwori made this statement while hosting the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited at the Government House in Asaba, recently.
He explained that the state derives most of its revenue from oil production, making it essential to maintain a smooth and fair relationship between the oil companies and the host communities. “If oil production is high, Delta State will benefit”, he said, adding that the state is currently the top oil producer in the country.
“I will not allow oil companies to oppress their host communities, neither will I allow the host communities to stop oil production. This is because, we derive most of our monies from oil production. If oil production is high, Delta State will benefit because, today we are number one in oil production. If you disrupt operations, we will not benefit”, the Governor emphasized.
The governor also praised Chevron for its ongoing contributions to the state’s development and economy.
“I have known Chevron all my life because I am a Warri boy. There is nothing I do not know about Chevron. I will say that we have a lot of regards for Chevron. Many companies left Warri but Chevron is still here with us. Warri is a home for Chevron and that is the reason why, if they are having any community issue, I always talk to our communities to make sure that there is cooperation between the company and the host communities”.
Oborevwori encouraged Chevron to continue its social responsibility efforts, while urging the company to do more for the people of Delta State. He also mentioned recent concerns raised by the Itsekiri leaders regarding infrastructure, such as light and water, which the state government is addressing.
He recalled a recent incident when local communities took over Chevron’s office in Ekpan, an issue he intervened in to prevent further escalation.
“You need to listen to them. The things you know you can do for them, do them. The ones you cannot do, tell them you can’t do them. Tell them your limit. But most of the issues are about employment. We want our people to be employed. When there are slots, give to them; they are the host communities and they will be happy”,he added.
The Governor, however , stressed the need for more Delta State residents in top management positions within Chevron.
“Look at Chevron now; how many of our people are in top management positions? Just few. We need you to put our people in top management positions not only just employ people as casual staff and all that”,he urged.
In conclusion, Oborevwori called on investors to take advantage of the friendly business environment in Delta State, assuring them that the state is safe for business.
Earlier, Jim Swartz, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude for the long-standing relationship between the company and the state. He highlighted Chevron’s contributions to the state’s development, including projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Swartz reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to sustaining this partnership, saying, “We have operated in Nigeria for over six decades and for most of those years, it has been in partnership with Delta State. We have a significant footprint here. Escravos is our home base of operations”.
