In a strategic push to deepen ties between the private sector and state governance, Oando PLC, one of Nigeria’s foremost energy conglomerates, welcomed Dr. Henry Okafor, the Honourable Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence in Imo State, along with Engr. Chima Alvan Okereke, Special Adviser on Host Community Matters. The high-level engagement, held on November 3 at Oando’s Lagos headquarters, centered on forging robust partnerships to drive sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades, and community empowerment across Imo’s oil-bearing Niger Delta communities.
The visit underscores Oando’s longstanding commitment to the Niger Delta, where it operates key assets in upstream oil and gas production, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s energy security. With Imo State—home to prolific fields like Assa and Egbema—positioned as a vital hub in the region’s hydrocarbon landscape, the discussions highlighted synergies under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), focusing on equitable resource distribution and conflict mitigation. Oando’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Ayodele Kolawole, described the meeting as a “milestone in collaborative governance,” emphasizing the company’s role in bridging industry needs with grassroots aspirations.
Key Discussion Pillars: Empowerment and Shared Prosperity
The dialogue delved into actionable frameworks for regional upliftment, aligning with Oando’s “Era of Us” philosophy that prioritizes human-centered initiatives. Attendees exchanged insights on leveraging federal and state interventions to amplify impact, with a spotlight on Imo’s unique position as a southern outlier in the nine-state Niger Delta bloc.
- Infrastructure and Economic Diversification: Proposals for joint ventures in road networks, power supply enhancements, and agro-industrial hubs to reduce oil dependency. Okafor advocated for extending Oando’s CSR footprint—such as solar-powered community centers—to Imo’s 27 local government areas, echoing recent state appeals to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for broader project coverage. This could unlock agro-processing opportunities in rice and cassava value chains, creating thousands of jobs amid youth unemployment rates exceeding 35% in the state.
- Host Community Engagement and Peacebuilding: Emphasis on transparent benefit-sharing under PIA’s Host Community Development Trusts. Engr. Okereke stressed non-aggressive advocacy for rights, building on Okafor’s recent public calls for dialogue over disruption in oil-rich zones like Ohaji/Egbema. Oando pledged to expand its community liaison programs, including skills training in welding and digital literacy, to foster trust and preempt militancy flare-ups.
- Youth and Women Empowerment: Alignment with NDDC’s scholarships and LIFE-ND agricultural programs, where Imo leads in counterpart funding. Discussions explored Oando’s potential sponsorship of tech incubators and entrepreneurial grants, targeting 500 Imo youths annually to channel energies into innovation rather than unrest.
Dr. Okafor, a vocal advocate for Niger Delta equity, lauded Oando’s proactive stance: “This collaboration exemplifies how industry and government can co-create pathways to prosperity, ensuring our people are active participants in the energy transition.” He highlighted Imo’s readiness to host regional events like the upcoming Niger Delta Games, positioning the state as a beacon of unity and progress.
Oando’s Broader Niger Delta Footprint
As a pivotal player in the sector, Oando has invested over ₦50 billion in Delta CSR since acquiring assets like the 40% stake in the former Agip’s onshore blocks. Past initiatives include medical outreaches in Delta communities and environmental remediation in Rivers, often in tandem with state ministries. This Imo-focused engagement fits into a wider strategy, including recent NDDC partnerships for youth scholarships and agricultural retreats, where Oando could emerge as a private-sector anchor.
Social media response has been encouraging, with Oando’s announcement post amassing over 480 views and endorsements from regional influencers. One commenter noted, “Great to see corporate-state synergy in action—Imo deserves this boost!” Yet, stakeholders like the Niger Delta Journalists Association urge sustained follow-through to counter perceptions of “elite pacts” excluding grassroots voices.
In an era of global energy shifts, such collaborations are vital for the Niger Delta’s resilience. By harnessing Imo’s untapped potential—from gas flaring reductions to green hydrogen pilots—Oando and the state could model inclusive growth for the entire region.
Niger Delta Herald will follow up on emerging MoUs from this visit. How can such partnerships transform your community? Voice your views below.
