Ogheneruona Tejiri, Effurun
The Federal Government has been called upon to compel all International Oil Companies (IOCs), indigenous Oil Companies as well as Multinationals doing major businesses within the Niger Delta region to relocate their head offices to the region.
This call was made by Engr. Anthony Okoh, President, Warri Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WACCIMA at the 61st Annual General Meeting of the Chamber in Effurun, Delta State, he said that it is appropriate use the resources from the region for its development as the era of using resources from the area ato develop other parts of the country must stop.
Engr. Okoh said that the theme for the event, “Public and Private Sectors as Catalyst for Social – Economic Development: Bridging the Gap in Delta State” is apt, the event drew government officials and captains of industry across Delta State.
The President of WACCIMA commended the Delta State Government under Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori “for the noticeable infrastructural work being undertaken to revitalize Warri and its environs, making it more appealing and ready for business investment”.
He added, “significant efforts are being made by both the government and private sectors to encourage the return of key industries to Warri”.
On his call for the relocation of headquarters of multinational companies to the region, he has this to say, “we specifically call in this administration to do all that is necessary to ensure that International Oil Companies and indigenous Oil Companies that are doing major businesses within the Niger Delta region relocate their Head Offices and cite them within the Niger Delta region as well.
“The era of using our resources to develop other parts the country must stop. LWe should enjoy full benefits of our natural resources.
“We look forward to a robust partnership with government and call on this administration to foster a strong, results-oriented collaboration with the private sector to make this dream a tangible reality for all citizens of Delta State”.
Speaking further on Warri’s Economic Renaissance”, Engr. Okoh called on the Federal and Delta State Governments to sustain their efforts towards the Delta Port Revitalization.
He noted, “the issue of the Delta Port Revitalization has been a decade-long concern. We are relieved and glad to note that, following sustained advocacy and the intervention of government, the Delta Port is now receiving the attention it desperately deserves. We thank the government for this commitment and strongly urge them to accelerate its completion to unlock the immense economic potential of Niger Delta region”.
In his comments, Hon. Samuel Oligida, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Delta who was represented by Mr. Felix Oseji, Director of Commerce pledged governments partnership with the private sector to further boost the economic potentialities of the State.
While urging WACCIMA to collaborate with its parent body in the State, Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) in formulating a workable economic blueprint for the government to work upon, Hon. Oligida assured that their requests would be looked into holistically and incorporated in the government’s scheme of things.
According to the Commissioner of Trades and Investment, “Delta State Government is ready to partner with the private sector.”
