An energy expert has noted that lethargy on the part of the federal government over the implementation of the community engagement standards in the Niger Delta region has been the major cause of rising hostilities.
Meka Olowola, made the disclosure recently while speaking to newsmen on nutty issues affecting the regions communities. He warned that, the federal government should reconsider its strategies and redefine its approach to conflict resolution in the Delta region as a way of warding off the negative consequences of the nation’s oil revenues.
He listed such negative consequences to include pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, sea piracy and associated atrocities which had foisted limitations on oil production in the country. He suggested the implementation of the engagement standards and improve on the principles of community engagement in the region. He also called for discipline act in the oil and gas sector, which he noted had been characterized by corruption.
He challenged the government to explore new avenues of multi-layer dialogue with the stakeholders. According to him, the approach will help check uproar between the oil companies and their host communities in the region. He added that the host communities are critical bu siness partners, which is the reason for mutual understanding.
The energy expert concluded by saying that the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR) surpasses charitable donations. He remarked that the community engagement standards codified the best approach to optimizing the gains of the oil sector.
This according to him will guarantee a sustainable development of the region.
