Rivers State Government and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) have inaugurated the Egi/Igburu Cluster Development Board (CDB) for pipeline communities to SPDC’s Assa North Gas project, which has a capacity for 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and the potential to be one of the largest domestic gas projects in Nigeria when completed.
The inauguration took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Thursday, September 17, 2020.
Speaking at the event, Rivers commissioner for chieftaincy and community affairs Elloka Tasie-Amadi, urged the Orikoha Ekwueme-led newly elected officials of the CDB to use the opportunity of leadership to make positive impacts that will improve living standards in their communities.
“The state government is always available to support you. Always speak with your people, including the Community Trust Committees (which were also newly inaugurated). Adequate communication will ensure the buy-in of all your stakeholders,” Mr Tasie-Amadi said.
He decried those who see leadership as opportunity for self-seeking gains.
“Leadership is more of sacrifice; not an opportunity for personal benefit,” the commissioner added.
Also speaking, SPDC general manager external relations Igo Weli said “the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), that you signed today, sets the framework for long-term partnership between SPDC JV and the Egi/Igburu Cluster. The GMoU runs on the principle of community-led development. Today, SPDC JV commits to providing funding to help you realise your community development aspirations.”
Represented at the ceremony by SPDC external relations manager for projects and opportunities, Dr. Banji Adekoya, Mr Weli asked the CDB to “be prudent and implement projects and programmes that will deliver maximum benefits to the Egi/Igburu communities. Note that government, SPDC JV and the communities that you represent will hold you accountable for the judicious utilisation of the development funds.”
The Assa North/Ohaji South gas project is a joint venture project involving the SPDC, the NNPC, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, and will result in a new SPDC gas processing plant.
It is designed to help the Nigerian government deliver on its ambition to provide enough gas for domestic consumption, power generation and gas-based ammonia and urea fertilizers for farmers.
