Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has urged Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited to accept the liabilities of its new acquisition, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

Diri said this would improve the frosty relationship between NAOC and its host communities.

The governor stated this during a courtesy visit of the management team of Oando Energy in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Diri called on the Oando management to address issues of employment, contractual benefits, job security, and environmental pollution.

The governor charged multinational companies to stick to their corporate social responsibility in order to achieve harmonious working relationships with host communities.

He also stated that indigenes who qualify to work in the oil firm should be considered for the lower ranks and the managerial positions.

Diri said: “Let me congratulate you for being found worthy, having concluded the processes of acquiring all the assets of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company. But be reminded that you have not only acquired the assets. You have also acquired the liabilities.

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“Part of the reason for the frosty relationship between Bayelsa, the oil-producing communities and the company that you have acquired were around employment, contractual benefits, security of jobs and others.

“We, however, believe this is an opportunity for you to right the wrongs. You are a brand new company today. So in terms of employment and contractual obligations, let the people of Bayelsa be involved.

“That way, there would be mutual respect, peace and smooth operations in this state.”

Diri further promised Oando of the government’s collaboration, saying the state has a lot to gain from such peaceful oil activities.

The Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, Ainojie Irune, said the visit was to formally introduce the management team that would be doing business in Bayelsa State.

Irune said the company values a mutual and beneficial partnership with the host communities, the state, and its workers.

Irune expressed hope that the company would have a clean start with a view to building a healthy working relationship with the Bayelsa State Government.

The Star