By Prince Okafor

Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC,  Osagie Okunbor, yesterday, said that the group spent about N39 billion on social investments in the country last year. Mr. Okunbor, who made this known during an interactive session with press men in Lagos, said that about N29 billion was paid to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, as required by law.

N10 billion was also spent by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC, Limited operated by Joint Venture and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, SNEPCo, on social investment projects.” He also said that about N 179, 140, 500, 000 was also been spent on local contracting and procurement.

He further stated that the company along with their Joint Venture partners believe they can make a real difference in the country, and they have also targeted investments on the community and enterprise development as well as the education and health sectors. He noted that the company cannot take the place of government but they are keen to play a key part in the development of the country.

Mr. Okunbor, ownership of key assets such as rigs, helicopters and marine vessels is a key focus of these efforts to support Nigerian community contractors . “Shell Companies in Nigeria were also actively involved in the development and utilisation of natural gas, pioneering its production and delivery to domestic consumers and export markets. “Although, the SPDC JV’s market share of domestic gas has reduced through a series of divestment since 2010.

“This has enabled Nigerian companies to play a more strategic role; Shell companies still remain a crucial part of the national gas energy mix. “For example, our Afam VI Power Plant alone contributed 14 percent of Nigeria’s grid-connected electricity in 2015, thus consolidating its achievements since the first power in August 2008.

He also stated that, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), supplies natural gas to 87 industrial customers. Adding that crude oil theft, illegal refining and insecurity as the key challenges the group faced in 2015. “Shell Group is constantly monitoring the security situation of its operation areas in the Niger Delta and is taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of its staff and contractors ,” he added.