NNPC, others sign pact to develop Bayelsa state’s oil communities

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture have signed a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with KEFFES Rural Development Foundation (KDRF) to better the lot of host communities in Bayelsa State.

KRDF is the governing arm of the eight settlements that had been identified as neighbours to oil mining leases (OMLs) 83 and 85. They include Koluama1; Koluama 2; Ezetu 1; Ezetu 2; Foropa; Fish Town; Ekeni; and Sangana.

“KEFFES” was fomed from the first letters of the affected communities.

The pact is to formalise the partnership between NNPC/FIRST E&P, KDRF and the Bayelsa State government as critical stakeholders in the development of the assets.

During the signing in Yenagoa, the General Manager, Corporate Services, FIRST E&P, Mr. Emmanuel Etomi, reiterated the commitment of the joint venture partners to the well-being and development of their host communities.

He noted that the “the terms of the GMoU are explicit and designed to mutually benefit all partners.”

The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Markson Fefegha, expressed the hope that the partnership would encourage communal participation and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta region.

The representative of the Manager, Corporate Affairs, National Petroleum Investment Management Services/NNPC (NAPIMS-NNPC), Mr. Bappah Babayo, pledged full implementation of the agreement and periodic on-the-spot tours of the sites for progress reports.

KRDF Chairman, Mr. Seleepri Mathew, said the “signing puts a seal on the trust we have shared for as long as the relationship has lasted.”