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Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has assured oil and gas companies in the state of a safe and secure operational environment.
The governor gave the assurance when he received top executives of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Asaba, the Delta State capital city.
Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings is a consortium consisting of four successful Nigerian independent oil and gas companies.
It recently completed acquisition of equity holding in Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
The governor noted that crude oil was the mainstay of the nation’s economy, emphasising the need for strong and sustainable partnerships that deliver value to all stakeholders.
Oborevwori called on oil companies operating in the state to institutionalise mutually beneficial relationship with their host communities in order to build trust and confidence needed for their smooth operations.
“The Chairman and the Managing Director are people that have worked in this environment. They have been with Shell; so, they know the workings and all that.
“And, in my relationship with Shell, I was the youngest Community Chairman working with Shell in the whole of Western Division when I was Osubi Community Chairman.
“We used to do this People’s Parliament and go for oil seminar with very top leaders in the region.
“So, I got a lot of experience with my relationship with them. I believe more in dialogue than confrontation. And, with you at the top in this company, I believe that you will do well,” he said.
Oborevwori said Delta State is one of the most peaceful states in the South-South, assuring that investments in the state are safe.
“All our oil facilities are safe and since I came in, there has not been any record of attack on oil facilities.
“Today, we are the highest oil-producing state and I pray we will continue to be number one. So, let us build stronger partnership that delivers value to all the stakeholders.
“The state will support you to succeed because, as you do, we will also succeed as we also get our taxes from there. I assure you of the total support of the government,” Oborevwori said.
Earlier, the company’s Chairman, Dr Layi Fatoma, thanked the governor for granting them audience.
He said that the visit was to introduce the management of the company to him.
Also, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, said the vision of the company was to start from the Niger Delta with a view to promoting energy security in Nigeria, adding that the company had an African ambition.
“We want to take over Africa as it concerns energy and it is very important that we start from home. This is one of the reasons that we have to come back to base and start to connect with you.
“We fully align with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of Delta State Government. This country will go nowhere without oil and gas, and as we all know, we are very well positioned to lead the industry.
“We are confident that all the support you gave Shell and we, being 100 per cent Nigerian, will enjoy more support than you ever gave during their Shell’s time here.
“We look forward to partnering with you and I thank you for having us,” Attah said.
By Ifeanyi Olannye
