By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Delta State Government is envisioning a new road map for sustainable peace and development in oil and gas bearing communities in the state.
The new Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon (Chief) Peter Uviejitobor who stated this Wednesday, on assumption of office at Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, Okpanam road, Asaba, said the reform agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the oil sector would be of immense benefit to all critical stakeholders.
Hon Uviejitobor stated that Delta state is blessed with large oil and gas deposits and other mineral resources, saying that the development has placed the state as the highest contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
The Commissioner said it is the desire of the state government to ensure that Delta maintains the number position in oil production in the comity of oil producing states in the country.
He explained that the vision can only be sustained when all stakeholders are united and in same page hence the continuous engagement by the state government.
Uviejitobor said he was grateful to God for making the day a reality and appreciated the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to take up the exotic office as Commissioner Oil and Gas, Delta State.
The former Lawmaker noted that it is a call for service and he will do his best to ensure stability in the oil and gas sector as well as minimize activities of saboteurs in the sector in the state.
He stressed that it is the duty of every Deltans to protect oil pipelines from vandalism as well as to be actively involved in the campaign against illegal oil bunkering, oil theft and gas flaring, amongst others.
The Oil and Gas Commissioner noted that apart from economic losses, environment pollution and degradation caused by such acts has been a big challenge.
Uviejitobor disclosed that Governor Oborevwori has always expressed concern in that regard and has directed a more aggressive approach to check the ugly trend.
He promised that the Ministry under his supervision and in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the federal government and multinationals, will introduce new measures that would promote peace and stability in the oil and gas sector.
Uviejitobor called for the support and cooperation of staff of the ministry to achieving set goals, even as he charged them to be more proactive, productive, transparent and effective in discharge of their duties.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Oil and Gas, Mr Lucky Omoko, while welcoming the Commissioner, assured him of good working relationship with the staff of the Ministry.
Presenting the handover note to Hon Uviejitobor, Mr Omoko disclosed that the Ministry has successfully resolved ninety percent of disputes between host communities and oil and gas companies operating in the state.
The Permanent Secretary later took the Commissioner round the key departments in the Ministry and was received by the various heads