Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North senatorial district, on Friday, hosted the Anioma Traditional Rulers Council in his Maitama residence, Abuja. The council was represented by His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Daniel Ogbodo JP, the Obi of Atuma-Iga kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Obi Uche Irenuma I I, the Obi of Abavo Kingdom.
During the meeting, concerns about the senatorial district were addressed. Obi Uche Irenuma I I highlighted the deplorable state of Federal roads as a major issue. He pointed out that the absence of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) during the Buhari administration had a detrimental impact on road maintenance in the region. He noted that the roads urgently require reconstruction, and had FERMA remained active or a suitable alternative been established, the situation might not have deteriorated to this extent.
“One of the pressing issues in our senatorial zone is the deplorable state of all the Federal roads. In the past, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was responsible for maintaining these roads, ensuring their continuous upkeep. Unfortunately, FERMA was removed during the Buhari administration in an attempt to combat corruption, leaving a void in road maintenance.
“This absence of FERMA or an adequate alternative has had a detrimental impact on the condition of all Federal roads in Delta state. The roads are in dire need of reconstruction, and had FERMA remained active or a suitable replacement been established, the situation might not have deteriorated to this extent.”
Stating the need for the oil production transparency in the district, Obi Irenuma expressed, “Additionally, our senatorial district, which you represent, is a significant producer of crude oil and gas in Nigeria. Notably, Okpai hosts the largest gas plant in Africa. Despite the profitability of the oil companies operating in our area, there is a lack of transparency regarding the quantity of crude oil and gas produced by our communities.
“For example, in Abavo Kingdom, which has approximately 8 oil wells, the indigenous population cannot accurately quantify the oil and gas production, making it challenging to assess if the social responsibility efforts by these international oil companies align with what they take from us. We request that our production data be accurately recorded in the national database to ensure that our communities receive their rightful share of community social responsibility from these companies.”
In response, Senator Nwoko emphasized that he was elected because of his commitment to serving the people and his deep understanding of the district’s issues. He expressed his awareness of the challenges and the imperative need for addressing them.
“I was elected because I willingly committed myself to serve the people. Prior to the election and my current position in the state, I had a deep understanding of the issues that our district faced. My election was no accident; I comprehended the unique challenges our people were confronting and what needed to be addressed. In the Senate, I am actively engaged in fulfilling my responsibilities, and I am acutely aware of the tasks at hand,” Senator Nwoko stated.
“I deliberately chose to be a part of various Senate committees that align with the critical issues in our senatorial district. I have an intimate knowledge of all the problems in our district, especially those related to oil companies operating with impunity, where our communities are not adequately compensated and serviced. During the election campaign, I visited all communities and 98 wards in the 9 local government areas comprising the Delta North senatorial district. I personally witnessed the environmental degradation in Okpai and other oil-producing communities, and it is imperative that these issues are resolved. International Oil Companies must adhere to the same high standards of operation they employ in developed countries.” He added.
The senator pledged to scrutinize contracts between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the federal government to ensure transparency. He also acknowledged the significance of addressing issues related to illegal bunkerers and the need to increase oil and gas production for national revenue.
Senator Nwoko advocated for legalizing artisanal refining to empower local refiners. He stressed the importance of selling crude oil to them and integrating them into the formal economy, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Regarding road infrastructure, he acknowledged the deplorable state of roads and the need for improvements.
In his words, “In fact, we are going to scrutinize all contracts between the IOCs and the federal government to ensure transparency regarding their contributions and takeaways. “Addressing the issue of illegal bunkerers is crucial. I have already presented a motion in the Senate, and we are resolved to take decisive action to expose those involved in crude oil theft. Their activities significantly impact our production levels. Increasing oil and gas production means more revenue for the nation, which can be allocated to essential projects like the roads you mentioned and other priority areas.
“I also, advocate for the Federal Government to legalize artisanal refining. Rather than arresting and destroying the equipment of local refiners, the government should integrate them into the formal economy. This would be a mutually beneficial arrangement where the government sells crude oil to them, and they refine and sell products back to society. Licensed local refiners can provide quality products at fair prices, and this approach would benefit our people.
“Regarding the deplorable state of our roads, I am well aware of the challenges, and my efforts in the House of Representatives contributed to the dualization of the Asaba-Benin express road. This road is a vital national artery, connecting various zones and state capitals. It urgently requires resurfacing, and the government should consider building service stations on both sides of the road to reduce the risks and accidents caused by trailers and trucks parked along its edges.”
The senator assured the traditional rulers that he is committed to addressing various aspects such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the youth, leaving no stone unturned to better the district.
