The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on Monday, received members of the South-South Caucus of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives.
The lawmakers visited to express their solidarity with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to transform the oil sector and drive development in the Niger Delta region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor.
Speaking during the meeting, Senator Lokpobiri reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the progress of the Niger Delta, stressing that the administration has taken deliberate steps to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects in the region.
“President Tinubu is deeply committed to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta people,” the Minister stated.
“His administration is focused on ensuring peace, development, and the timely delivery of vital infrastructure across our communities.”
He further highlighted key Federal Government initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of oil-producing communities, particularly the Host Community Development Trust Funds, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“While the Host Community Funds were designed to develop our oil-producing communities, it is unfortunate that many have yet to fully access these benefits, not because the funds are not available but because of infighting amongst some communities,” Lokpobiri said.
He called on the lawmakers to facilitate resolutions within their respective communities to ensure the proper establishment and utilization of the Trust Fund.
The Minister also urged community leaders and stakeholders to refrain from actions that could undermine government efforts, emphasizing the need for collective support towards President Tinubu’s agenda.
“We must discourage any form of sabotage and instead, garner collective support for the President, who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to both the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large,” he emphasized.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the South-South Caucus, Rt. Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, who represents Ekeremor/Sagbama Federal Constituency, commended the Minister’s leadership and expressed the caucus’s willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to address the region’s challenges.
“We are here to show solidarity with the Federal Government’s efforts and to explore ways we can collectively move the Niger Delta forward,” Agbedi stated.
“The caucus is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the aspirations of our people are met.”
Senator Lokpobiri further advised the lawmakers to channel some of their requests through proper legislative processes, enabling prompt presidential action once they are enacted into law.
“By ensuring that certain requests are formalized through the National Assembly, the relevant authorities will be compelled by law to act accordingly,” he noted.
The Minister commended the caucus for their unity and commitment to addressing the region’s challenges, stating that their collaborative approach aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of fostering peace and sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.
