The South-South Caucus in the House of Representatives, led by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Fred Agbedi, PhD, has engaged the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, in a high-level discussion aimed at tackling critical socio-economic and environmental issues affecting the oil-rich region.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Minister’s office in Abuja, provided a platform for robust dialogue on key concerns, particularly the impact of oil exploration on local communities and strategies for fostering sustainable development.
KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED
During the meeting, Hon. Agbedi, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters, outlined several pressing matters affecting the South-South region:
1. Relocation of Oil Companies: The Caucus reiterated the demand for oil companies operating in the region to relocate their headquarters to the South-South. This move, they argued, would boost local economic growth and ensure the host communities benefit directly from oil exploration activities.
2. Environmental Concerns: Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the persistent environmental degradation in oil-producing communities. They emphasized the need for affected areas to have a stronger voice in governmental divestment processes to safeguard their interests.
3. Greater Stake in the Oil Industry: The Caucus called for increased local participation in the oil sector, proposing a 60% allocation of oil blocks to indigenous communities. They stressed that host communities should have the first right of refusal in oil block allocations to ensure equitable resource distribution.
4. Constitutional Review: In light of the ongoing constitutional review, the Caucus advocated for a strategic retreat involving South-South governors, legislators, and key stakeholders to develop a unified regional agenda.
5. State Creation: The lawmakers also discussed the need for collaborative efforts between the legislature and executive in ongoing discussions on state creation, emphasizing that the South-South, as a major contributor to federal revenue, deserves fair representation in national restructuring efforts.
Minister Lokpobiri’s Response
In his remarks, Minister Lokpobiri commended the Caucus for its proactive stance and reaffirmed his commitment to working with regional leaders to address their concerns. He emphasized that achieving meaningful development in the South-South requires coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as strategic engagement with industry stakeholders.
Delegation and Next Steps
The meeting was attended by key Caucus members, including Hon. Julius Pondi (Vice Chairman, Delta State), Hon. Mike Etaba (Secretary, Cross River State), and other prominent lawmakers.
This engagement underscores the South-South Caucus’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of its people and ensuring the sustainable management of the region’s vast natural resources. The Caucus vowed to continue pushing for policies that promote economic empowerment, environmental justice, and equitable resource allocation for the Niger Delta .