N’Delta: FG consults with donor agencies, oil companies

By  Chris OCHAYI, Abuja
IN a move to fast-track development in the region, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe has resumed consultations with the international donor agencies and major oil companies operating in the Niger Delta with a view to raising funds to actualize the constructions of massive infrastructural facilities required by the region.

Elder Orubebe who disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the management of Chevron (Nig) Ltd led by its Ag. MD/Chairman, E. S. Shadiya, who paid a courtesy to him, said the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has been working  to ensure that oil companies doing business in the region operate in a very peaceful and stable environment.

He noted that the Ministry is working in partnership with the European Union and UNDP to develop a concept paper to raise sufficient funds for the developmental needs of the region.

The Minister while calling for the support of international donor agencies and oil companies, noted that there is an urgent need to bridge the gap that exists between the Ministry’s budget and the huge funds required for the development of major projects such as  skills acquisition and training centres in the nine states of the region.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, E. S. Shadiya, Ag. MD/Chairman said, Chevron (Nig) Ltd said they had enjoyed good working relationship with the host communities because of the company’s commitment to the fulfillment of its corporatesocial responsibilities (CSR.)