Stakeholders ponder route to sustainable oil, gas sector
We desperately need to consider investing in alternative sources of energy.
The Punch
Stakeholders ponder route to sustainable oil, gas sector
By Atser Godwin
Published: Thursday, 26 Apr 2007
The long years of neglect by the federal, state, local governments and oil communities of the Niger Delta have made the region one of the most restive spots in the world.
The deprivation of the oil-rich area comes in spite of its contribution of more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s revenue.
As at today, the Niger Delta pumps 2.3million barrels of crude oil per day but opaqueness and collusion between government officials and oil companies have left little or no infrastructural development in that area.
It was on this premise that civil society groups gathered in Lagos last week to discuss how to tackle corruption in the oil and gas industry.
The event, which was organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre had the support of Britain’s Oxfam – a non-governmental organisation that aims to eradicating poverty – called for transparency in the oil and gas industry.
The Programme Officer, Public Policy and Finance, Oxfam, Mr Sam Odiba, said corruption in the extractive industry could be best handled through the strengthening of the nation’s legislative framework.
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