The House of Representatives’ Committee in charge of examining Holders of Oil Mining Leases and Oil Prospecting Licenses in Nigeria has stated that more oil blocs will be allocated to Niger Delta indigenes.
This was disclosed by the committee’s Chairman, Mr. Gideon Gwani in Rivers state.
He stated that if some of the oil blocs that were illegally acquired in the region were relinquished, there would be more opportunities for indigenes in the area, adding that this would also guarantee peace in the region.
He said: “That’s why we are carrying out this investigation. We believe that when some of these oil blocs that were illegally acquired are relinquished, it will create an opportunity for some members of the host communities to participate in the acquisition process.
“By this, Niger Delta indigenes will have the opportunity to do business with these resources in their domain and also contribute to the national economy.
“I believe that if we allow indigenes of Niger Delta to own some of these oil wells, we will have peace in the area and the country will witness stable economic growth.
“As a committee, we will investigate those who have not paid signature bonuses, rents and royalties and we shall insist that they make such payments to the Federal Government.”
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