By Obiabin Onukwugha
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has described the state as the best destination for investors in the oil and gas sector, underscoring the economic importance of the state to the growth of the oil and gas industry..
He pointed out that his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
According to a statement by Juliana Masi, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Governor spoke while declaring open, the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, pointed out that the state government has established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to operate and flourish in the state, as part of a strategic plan to stimulate the economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of citizens.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90 percent of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40 percent of the country’s revenue,” he noted.
“Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry,” Fubara said, adding, “That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, Security Agencies Communities and other Stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.”
He said the state government had established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” the governor said.
Fubara expressed his administration’s readiness to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
“We are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State,” he said.
Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for industry players to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
