The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Delta State, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor has highlighted the strategic interventions and accomplishments of the ministry under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that peace-building efforts and effective stakeholder engagement have significantly improved oil production and revenue generation in the state.
Uviejitobor disclosed this when he received a delegation from the editorial team of Veracity Magazine, a quarterly publication of the Delta State Ministry of Information, during a courtesy visit to his office on Wednesday.
Speaking on the ministry’s role and impact, the Commissioner explained that although the Ministry of Oil and Gas does not directly award projects, it plays a critical intermediary role between oil companies, host communities, and the government.
“This is not a project-awarding ministry. It is an interventionist ministry. We mediate between the settlors and host communities to ensure peace, prevent shutdowns of oil facilities and maintain Delta State’s leading position in oil production,” he said.
He emphasized that regular monitoring, dialogue, and proactive engagement have helped avert major crises that could have disrupted oil production. According to him, the ministry conducts field visits at least once a week and encourages aggrieved parties to petition through formal channels.
“Each time there is crisis, I tell them to put up a petition because I cannot work in a vacuum,” Uviejitobor stated.
The Commissioner also revealed that the ministry successfully averted the shutdown of the Otumara flow station in OML43, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Warri South Local Government Area. The potential closure, which stemmed from disagreements related to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), could have resulted in the loss of 20,000 barrels per day from the state’s production quota.
Similarly, the ministry resolved a decade-long ownership dispute over Well 9 in Owhe Field, OML30, operated by Heritage Operational Services Limited, involving Oto-Owhe and Olomoro communities in Isoko North and South LGAs. Another dispute between the Uzere community and Heritage Energy over the Independent Power Plant Project was also resolved.
In line with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, Uviejitobor said the ministry has aligned its operations to promote environmental peace and development through strategic partnerships and youth-focused programs.
“We’ve initiated the Delta Youth Development Programmes and pushed for the execution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects by oil companies. These steps have helped reduce youth restiveness and improved crude oil output,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that the ministry also facilitated a free gas supply arrangement by Heritage Energy to the Independent Power Plant for two years after its completion, as part of efforts to support the state’s gas-to-power initiative and reduce gas flaring.
Delta State, as a result of its peace-building efforts, received the 2024 Award for Safety and Most Peaceful State for Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the ministry has begun revenue generation through the registration of LPG retailers via accredited agents. Between 2024 and now, twelve new LPG stations are in the pipeline across various parts of the state, following site inspections for prospective investors.
“Our aim is to ensure Delta remains the number one oil-producing state in Nigeria by preventing crises, facilitating investment, and ensuring smooth operations in host communities,” Uviejitobor concluded.
