By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering peace and driving economic growth in the Niger Delta region by strengthening dialogue with local communities.
This was the focus of a community engagement session held at Igurubia Square Town Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
It was aimed at addressing concerns and building trust across the region’s nine states.
This event, organized in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), aims to address local concerns and improve relations across the nine Niger Delta states.
The session comes ahead of the upcoming COP 29 Conference scheduled for November in Baku, Azerbaijan.
NNPC’s Group CEO, Mallam Mele Kyari, was represented by Mr. Sani Kabo, Head of Business Services at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS).
The engagement highlights NNPC’s commitment to the Third Phase Amnesty Program, focusing on creating sustainable growth and addressing issues raised by traditional leaders, ex-agitators, and youth representatives.
A key point discussed was the allocation of 3% of NNPC Ltd’s operational expenditures (OPEX) to community development under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
This funding will be directed toward skills acquisition, community empowerment, and livelihood initiatives, ensuring that projects align with the priorities of local communities.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, notes that CEP Kyari reaffirmed the company’s mission: “NNPC Ltd is committed to driving long-lasting peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta, where mutual respect and collaboration will lead to a future of unity and progress.”
