Lawmaker recommends to IOCs Chevron’s model on peace in N/ Delta

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources, Fred Agbedi has recommended the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), the community engagement strategy adopted by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture as a panacea for peace in the Niger Delta region.

Agbedi who gave the advice during a panel session at the 2018 Nigerian Gas Association’s (NGA) conference and exhibition organized in Abuja, urged other international oil and gas companies (IOCs) as well indigenous companies to emulate the model.

The lawmaker represented by Ayebide Fatiede noted that through the GMoU model, Chevron has proved to the whole world that peace and harmonious relations with Niger Delta communities was possible and practicable.

Speaking on the impact of oil pipeline vandalism on oil and gas infrastructure development in Nigeria, Abedi said the cause of restiveness among the youths in the area was anger occasioned by neglect and insensitivity of the government to the plights of the people.

He said that Chevron has instituted an effective system of engaging with the communities in a profitable manner, which has continued to enhance cordial relationship between the communities and the company.

According to him, “the GMoU by Chevron has created the desired enabling environment for oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta. I urge other organizations to emulate the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for steady development in the Niger Delta region.”

Also commenting on the GMoU, the General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn said that since 2005 when the GMoU was established, the GMoU has recorded significant achievements especially in areas of education, health, and economic development.

He said that the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture has contributed over NGN20.6billion to the RDCs to implement projects and programmes for about 600, 000 beneficiaries in more than 400 communities.

“In terms of managing conflict and enhancing peace in communities, the GMoU story is one we are very proud to tell and has resulted in very impressive footprints in various communities and the model has helped improve CNL’s relationship with its neighboring communities, as it created a clearer and more predictable channel for dialogue,” he noted.