From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori said yesterday that his administration would not allow oil companies to oppress their host communities neither would it tolerate host communities disrupting oil production.
Governor Oborevwori stated this while playing host to the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Asaba.
He disclosed that the state government derives most of its revenue from oil production, and for that reason, he would not want anything that might disrupt oil production.
The governor pointed out the Delta would benefit more if oil production goes high.
“l will not allow oil companies to oppress their host communities, neither will I allow the host communities to stop oil production. This is because we derive most of our monies from oil production.
“If oil production is high, Delta State will benefit because today, we are number one in oil production. If you disrupt operations, we will not benefit,” the governor said.
While appreciating the continuous contributions of Chevron Nigeria Limited to national economy and development, he lauded its management for coming to interface with the state government.
Oborevwori implored the company to continue to do more for their host communities.
Earlier, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Jim Swartz expressed appreciation for the mutual beneficial relationship between the company and Delta State.
He said Chevron does not take the mutual beneficial relationship for granted, adding that they would continue to sustain the partnership.
“We have operated in Nigeria for over six decades and for most of those years, it has been in partnership with Delta State.
“We have contributed to the well-being of government and the people of the state. We have a significant foot print here. Escravos is the home base of our operations.
“We have our administrative and logistics base in Warri. This is home for Chevron Nigeria Limited. We are also proud of our track record of paying taxes.
“l am happy that what was developed between our company and your state has become a model of how states and companies can work together.
“We have specific projects ranging from cottage hospitals to river boat clinics, classroom blocks, water projects, teachers quarters, town halls; the list goes on. These are the things we have done to improve lives in your state,” Swartz said.
