EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri
The Federal Government has called for strong collaboration among host communities, investors and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the Utorogu 200 million standard cubic feet per day gas processing plant in Delta State.
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Assistant Chief Petroleum Engineer, Raphael Chindah, stressed the importance of community participation and inclusive engagement in the execution of the project.
Chindah noted that beyond economic gains, the project would bring long-term socio-economic benefits to host communities, including infrastructure development and job creation.
He said, “To the host community, this project holds immense promise.
Beyond job creation during both construction and operations, it is expected to stimulate local enterprise development, improve infrastructure, and create sustainable socio-economic opportunities.
I urge the project promoters to maintain strong community engagement, ensure inclusive participation, and deliver on corporate social responsibility commitments that will leave lasting positive impacts in the area.”
He also highlighted the broader national benefits, stating that the project would improve domestic gas supply, support power generation and enhance energy security.
He said, “The Utorogu Gas Processing Plant represents a critical piece of infrastructure in our journey towards a gas-powered economy.
This facility will significantly enhance domestic gas supply, supporting power generation and industrial activities across the country.”
The Chairman of Southfield Petroleum Limited, Patrick Ndiomu, emphasised that community cooperation remained central to the success of the project, describing stakeholder alignment as critical.
He explained that the project would unlock value across the gas chain and drive development within the host communities.
Ndiomu said, “It is getting all the community members and partners to work towards the development that is the most critical part.
Getting the community to work together and getting the state to be involved in that process is critical.
“The lease holders also need to play their part. They have to see the value and the value chain and that is the most important part of this project.”
He reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining trust and inclusiveness with the host communities.
He added, “To our host communities in Iwherekan and its environs, we remain committed to a partnership built on trust, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
“Your continued support is essential, and you will remain central to the long-term success of this project.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) urged the community to take ownership of the project, noting that they stood to benefit directly from its successful completion.
He said, “We want to use the opportunity to call on the leadership of this community to take this project as your own.
Those who will be employed here first will be your own people. Please take the project as your own – own it, protect it, cooperate with the country and government to ensure that it is completed within record time.”
Representing the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmaleek Halilu, who spoke on behalf of the Secretary, Felix Ogbe, said the Board’s investment would ensure tangible benefits for local communities.
He noted that the project would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Halilu said, “For the host communities and neighbouring areas, this project will stimulate infrastructure development, create job opportunity and skills transfer, and increase commercial activities.
This is in line with our objective of ensuring that Nigerian Content delivers tangible benefits to local communities.”
In their separate remarks, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, Matthew Ediri Egbi Owahwa II, and the President-General of Iwherekan community, Ufuoma Omoberayen, welcomed the project and pledged continued support.
Owahwa expressed excitement over the development, saying, “I am excited that it is happening in my kingdom.”
Omoberayen highlighted the peaceful disposition of the community and its openness to investors.
She said, “We always welcome companies to come and invest.
We have been peaceful… the elders in council, women, youths, everyone has cooperated for this to kick off.”
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