THE YENAGOA ACCORD
A Communiqué issued at the end of the Special Niger Delta Consultative Forum Held at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State from the 10th to 11th of February 2006.
Participants were drawn from Representatives of Federal and State Governments of the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers State), Representatives of the oil companies (ENI – NAOC, Chevron, NLNG, Brass LNG, SPDC), Representatives of Foreign Governments (U.S.A, British, French, South African and the Dutch) and Development Agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and UNDP, Representatives of the Niger Delta communities (elders, traditional rulers, women and youth).
The Forum was declared open by the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by Senator J.K. Brambaifa) and had in attendance the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as well as the Deputy Governors of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers States; and the Commissioner of Works, Lands and Housing Ondo State who represented the Governor of Ondo State. Also in attendance were senior members of the Federal Government, which include members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Defence, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Senior Representatives of NNPC joint venture companies. Others include Representatives of the Military and Security Services. The people of the Niger Delta, leading Youth and Women activists, Community Leaders and traditional rulers.
The Forum was held against the background of the recent hostage crisis in the Niger Delta and was intended to create a platform for frank discussions to proffer practical solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta.
The participants made various observations including:
1. The recent hostage crisis has again brought to focus the need for urgent attention to the problems of the Niger Delta. e.g. the resurgence of youth restiveness, vandalization of oil installations and insecurity
2. There is absolute need to contend with issues associated with environmental degradation, lack of opportunities for participation in the oil industry, lack of employment opportunities in the oil industries even for jobs that do not require specialized technical skills, lack of proper political participation as evinced by the recent disregard of Niger Delta issues at the National Political conference.
3. The brazen insensitivity of the Federal Government and oil industry operators to the developmental needs of the Niger Delta particularly the non-dualisation of the East West Road, (traversing Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta & Edo States) amongst others.
4. That the Federal Government, State Government, Intervention Agencies (NDDC), our Local Governments have not shown enough commitment and determination in addressing the problems of the Niger Delta.
5. The two tiers of Government of the Niger Delta themselves have not created the enabling environment in such areas as good governance, prudent and transparent management of resources and infrastructural development to attract complimentary development from the oil industry.
6. Escalation of tension in the Niger Delta as a result of deployment of troops.
7. The need to redouble efforts on issues related to women and their empowerment, being the most vulnerable group at times of crisis in the Niger Delta.
Arising from the two days of discussions, which included plenary and interactive sessions, THE WAY FORWARD for the Niger Delta was identified as follows –
That due to its environmental peculiarity and economic importance to the entire world, the Niger Delta should be declared a SPECIAL DEVELOPMENTAL AREA that must receive the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Community.
That the Federal Government must show greater political will and dedication to the problems of the Niger Delta.
That the international community especially government and donor agencies from countries with economic interests in the Niger Delta MUST, as a matter of urgency now come in and show practical interest in the development of the area
That oil companies, must as a matter of urgency, review their recruitment policies by taking on board qualified persons from the Niger Delta. In particular, the Human Resources Manager and the External Relations Officer or their equivalents.
That operating oil companies must quarterly publish their employment statistics for public knowledge as a way of monitoring compliance with the above decision.
That oil companies, must as a matter of urgency, make pronouncements on their plans for infrastructural development of oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta. Efforts should be made to integrate their workers with their host communities.
That State Governments in the Niger Delta and the NDDC are hereby advised to utilize the available resources prudently for infrastructural development of the Niger Delta.
That the Federal and State Governments, oil companies and NDDC are put on notice to desist from the practice of impoverishing the people of the Niger Delta by using mainly non indigenes of the area to execute projects.
That the syndicate in the Niger Delta responsible for pipeline vandalization, hostage taking and other acts of instability must exercise restraint and total ceasefire, to give room for the implementation of development projects.
While this Forum believes in the indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the supremacy of the rule of law; this Forum requests that Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Barrister Uche Okwukwu be released immediately.
That the Federal Government should immediately consider a programme of steady withdrawal of troops from the Niger Delta to allow community leaders play more roles in building peace and restoration of communal confidence.
That all stakeholders should rededicate themselves to the pursuit of peace, development, progress and regular dialogue in the Niger Delta.
This Forum frowns seriously at the slow pace of the Brass LNG project especially in view of the fast track development of the Olokola LNG project; which has almost stalled the Brass project. Let it be on notice that the Niger Delta people shall not guarantee the supply of gas to the OKLNG if the above scenario is ascertained or confirmed.
The NNPC must take immediate steps to implement the Local Content policy with particular emphasis on a Niger Delta Content which must not be less than 50% of the total Local Content.
That 25% derivation is a minimum demand made by this Forum in the review of the 1999 constitution.
That this Forum strongly urges the FG to move the Head Quarters of NNPC and its subsidiaries to any of the states in the Niger Delta just like the FG succeeded in relocating the NPA, NMA and Shippers Council and National Inland Waterways to Lagos and Lokoja; for the ease of operations.
That all oil companies operating in the Niger Delta should move their Head Quarters to their major operating bases.
That the Federal Government should publish all allottees of oil blocks in Nigeria since the inception of oil operations and this Forum demands a minimum of 50% future oil blocks allocation as a form of inclusion to create a sense of belonging for the people from the Niger Delta.
That the activities of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) are at variance with the expectations of the people of the Niger Delta with respect to their scholarship awards. The Forum demands for 50% award of scholarship to the indigenes of the Niger Delta
That the three new refineries proposed by the Federal Government should be sighted in the Niger Delta area as a matter of urgency.
This forum commends SPDC for partnering with NDDC to construct the road between Ogbia and Nembe which will cost about N 9. 7 billion naira and we recommend that other oil companies should emulate such initiatives.
That this forum hereby sets up a monitoring committee made up of two representatives each from the Niger Delta States, two nominees of all oil companies and NDDC; to ensure the implementation of the decisions of this forum.
11th February 2006.
MEMBERS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
BAYELSA STATE DELTA STATE
1. Prof. Nelson Brambaifa 1. Dr. Lucky Akaruese
2. Dr. Emmanuel Isukul 2. Dr. Pius Esenebe
RIVERS STATE CROSS RIVERS STATE
1. Miabiye Kuromiema 1. Col Paul Edor Obi (Rtd)
2. Hilda Dokubo 2. Chief Eyo Etim Nyong
AKWA IBOM STATE ONDO STATE
Dr. Godwin Ikitde 1. Hon. D. I. Kekemeke
Chief Okonkon Okpo J.P 2. Hon. (Chief) Olusola Oke
EDO STATE
Hon (Mrs) Florence Gbinigie Erhabor
Senator Daisy Danjuma
Participants were drawn from Representatives of Federal and State Governments of the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers State), Representatives of the oil companies (ENI – NAOC, Chevron, NLNG, Brass LNG, SPDC), Representatives of Foreign Governments (U.S.A, British, French, South African and the Dutch) and Development Agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and UNDP, Representatives of the Niger Delta communities (elders, traditional rulers, women and youth).
The Forum was declared open by the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by Senator J.K. Brambaifa) and had in attendance the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as well as the Deputy Governors of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers States; and the Commissioner of Works, Lands and Housing Ondo State who represented the Governor of Ondo State. Also in attendance were senior members of the Federal Government, which include members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Defence, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Senior Representatives of NNPC joint venture companies. Others include Representatives of the Military and Security Services. The people of the Niger Delta, leading Youth and Women activists, Community Leaders and traditional rulers.
The Forum was held against the background of the recent hostage crisis in the Niger Delta and was intended to create a platform for frank discussions to proffer practical solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta.
The participants made various observations including:
1. The recent hostage crisis has again brought to focus the need for urgent attention to the problems of the Niger Delta. e.g. the resurgence of youth restiveness, vandalization of oil installations and insecurity
2. There is absolute need to contend with issues associated with environmental degradation, lack of opportunities for participation in the oil industry, lack of employment opportunities in the oil industries even for jobs that do not require specialized technical skills, lack of proper political participation as evinced by the recent disregard of Niger Delta issues at the National Political conference.
3. The brazen insensitivity of the Federal Government and oil industry operators to the developmental needs of the Niger Delta particularly the non-dualisation of the East West Road, (traversing Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta & Edo States) amongst others.
4. That the Federal Government, State Government, Intervention Agencies (NDDC), our Local Governments have not shown enough commitment and determination in addressing the problems of the Niger Delta.
5. The two tiers of Government of the Niger Delta themselves have not created the enabling environment in such areas as good governance, prudent and transparent management of resources and infrastructural development to attract complimentary development from the oil industry.
6. Escalation of tension in the Niger Delta as a result of deployment of troops.
7. The need to redouble efforts on issues related to women and their empowerment, being the most vulnerable group at times of crisis in the Niger Delta.
Arising from the two days of discussions, which included plenary and interactive sessions, THE WAY FORWARD for the Niger Delta was identified as follows –
That due to its environmental peculiarity and economic importance to the entire world, the Niger Delta should be declared a SPECIAL DEVELOPMENTAL AREA that must receive the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Community.
That the Federal Government must show greater political will and dedication to the problems of the Niger Delta.
That the international community especially government and donor agencies from countries with economic interests in the Niger Delta MUST, as a matter of urgency now come in and show practical interest in the development of the area
That oil companies, must as a matter of urgency, review their recruitment policies by taking on board qualified persons from the Niger Delta. In particular, the Human Resources Manager and the External Relations Officer or their equivalents.
That operating oil companies must quarterly publish their employment statistics for public knowledge as a way of monitoring compliance with the above decision.
That oil companies, must as a matter of urgency, make pronouncements on their plans for infrastructural development of oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta. Efforts should be made to integrate their workers with their host communities.
That State Governments in the Niger Delta and the NDDC are hereby advised to utilize the available resources prudently for infrastructural development of the Niger Delta.
That the Federal and State Governments, oil companies and NDDC are put on notice to desist from the practice of impoverishing the people of the Niger Delta by using mainly non indigenes of the area to execute projects.
That the syndicate in the Niger Delta responsible for pipeline vandalization, hostage taking and other acts of instability must exercise restraint and total ceasefire, to give room for the implementation of development projects.
While this Forum believes in the indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the supremacy of the rule of law; this Forum requests that Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Barrister Uche Okwukwu be released immediately.
That the Federal Government should immediately consider a programme of steady withdrawal of troops from the Niger Delta to allow community leaders play more roles in building peace and restoration of communal confidence.
That all stakeholders should rededicate themselves to the pursuit of peace, development, progress and regular dialogue in the Niger Delta.
This Forum frowns seriously at the slow pace of the Brass LNG project especially in view of the fast track development of the Olokola LNG project; which has almost stalled the Brass project. Let it be on notice that the Niger Delta people shall not guarantee the supply of gas to the OKLNG if the above scenario is ascertained or confirmed.
The NNPC must take immediate steps to implement the Local Content policy with particular emphasis on a Niger Delta Content which must not be less than 50% of the total Local Content.
That 25% derivation is a minimum demand made by this Forum in the review of the 1999 constitution.
That this Forum strongly urges the FG to move the Head Quarters of NNPC and its subsidiaries to any of the states in the Niger Delta just like the FG succeeded in relocating the NPA, NMA and Shippers Council and National Inland Waterways to Lagos and Lokoja; for the ease of operations.
That all oil companies operating in the Niger Delta should move their Head Quarters to their major operating bases.
That the Federal Government should publish all allottees of oil blocks in Nigeria since the inception of oil operations and this Forum demands a minimum of 50% future oil blocks allocation as a form of inclusion to create a sense of belonging for the people from the Niger Delta.
That the activities of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) are at variance with the expectations of the people of the Niger Delta with respect to their scholarship awards. The Forum demands for 50% award of scholarship to the indigenes of the Niger Delta
That the three new refineries proposed by the Federal Government should be sighted in the Niger Delta area as a matter of urgency.
This forum commends SPDC for partnering with NDDC to construct the road between Ogbia and Nembe which will cost about N 9. 7 billion naira and we recommend that other oil companies should emulate such initiatives.
That this forum hereby sets up a monitoring committee made up of two representatives each from the Niger Delta States, two nominees of all oil companies and NDDC; to ensure the implementation of the decisions of this forum.
11th February 2006.
MEMBERS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
BAYELSA STATE DELTA STATE
1. Prof. Nelson Brambaifa 1. Dr. Lucky Akaruese
2. Dr. Emmanuel Isukul 2. Dr. Pius Esenebe
RIVERS STATE CROSS RIVERS STATE
1. Miabiye Kuromiema 1. Col Paul Edor Obi (Rtd)
2. Hilda Dokubo 2. Chief Eyo Etim Nyong
AKWA IBOM STATE ONDO STATE
Dr. Godwin Ikitde 1. Hon. D. I. Kekemeke
Chief Okonkon Okpo J.P 2. Hon. (Chief) Olusola Oke
EDO STATE
Hon (Mrs) Florence Gbinigie Erhabor
Senator Daisy Danjuma
posted by TIUranta at 8:25 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home