The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has restated its commitment to work with host communities in the Niger Delta region towards lasting peace and economic prosperity.
NNPCL Group CEO, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this during a dialogue session with the Niger Delta communities at the Igurubia Square Ultra-Modern Town Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.
The meeting was held in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon. Gift Johnbull.
The meeting by the NNPCL with the Niger Delta communities was also part of the citizen assembly engagements, a side event of the forthcoming Climate of Parties (COP) 29 Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, this year.
Kyari was represented at the meeting by the Head Business Services of the NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Sani Kabo.
He said the engagement marked an important step in the journey towards strengthening unity and promoting development in the region through the Third Phase Amnesty Programme.
According to the GCEO, the NNPCL is committed to sustained dialogue with traditional, ex-agitators and youth leaders towards addressing local concerns and restoring trust across the nine Niger Delta states.
Kyari said the coming of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has emplaced allocation of three per cent of the operational expenditure (OPEX) of the NNPCL to community development.
He added that the development that will ensure projects reflect the priorities of the communities, whilst investing in skills acquisition, community empowerment and sustainable livelihood initiatives for the benefit of the various communities.
“Our mission is clear. We are committed to fostering lasting peace, creating economic opportunities and transforming the Niger Delta into a model of unity and progress.
“NNPCL stands with the Niger Delta as it builds a prosperous future that is driven by mutual respect and collaboration,” Kyari added in a release by the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
