By Zik Gbemre

The subject question is one that needed to be asked because it is increasingly becoming apparent that the Government at all levels have abdicated their statutory functions, especially addressing the pressing infrastructural and economic needs in the Niger Delta areas. Daily, it is as if the host communities’ locals and people of the Niger Delta areas are expecting the oil companies operating in the region to practically address all their problems. Probably because the oil companies are evidently on ground and easily accessible, compare to the Government that seems to be too far and inaccessible to the people they are supposed to be governing. One then begins to ask and wonder if we actually have Governments in the region.

Agreed that the Federal Government of Nigeria in the past, has to large extent, demonstrated its commitment towards paying special attention to the Niger Delta region’s development, by establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Niger Delta Ministry. Then at the State levels, they are other established Development Intervention Commissions/Agencies. And we also have the 13 per cent derivation revenue and monthly allocations from the Federal Government – all of which are aimed at consolidating a peaceful co-existence for intended development initiatives to thrive. But despite all of these efforts, the Niger Delta region is still one of the most underdeveloped regions in Africa, considering the enormous wealth and resources it has. If the funds voted for/allocated/budgeted via all these stated channels/government agencies and the government itself, were actually utilized for the purposes they were meant for, we are very certain that there would not have been anything like militancy and youth restiveness in the region, and the area would have become the Dubai of Africa.

It is even more annoying to note that the oil companies even contribute 3% of their annual budget to the NDDC, which have never been accounted for, plus their other Social Investments as part of efforts to contribute towards the development of Niger Delta areas. This of course, has made many to now think that it is mandatory for oil companies to develop their society. Yes, oil companies have their Social Investments roles, but that does not mean they are to take over the responsibilities of the Governments.

Having said that, it is an established fact that the responsibility to develop any society squarely rests on the shoulders of the Government and not the oil companies. The UK, US, France, Germany, Russia, UAE, China, etc. and others, were developed at to the level they are right now, by their various Governments and not the Oil Companies that operate in their countries.

It is therefore pertinent for our people to change their mindset in this regard, and understand that the responsibility of the Oil Companies, as different and separate from that of the Governments. More so, the Oil Companies are regularly taxed by the Government, and they are expected to use the same taxed funds for the development of the society. But the Oil Companies cannot take over the responsibility of the Government. It is not done in any country.

Like we said before, the Oil Companies can contribute their quota in way of corporate Social Responsibilities, which we have witnessed countless projects and programmes they have executed/and still executing yearly in different host Communities of the Niger Delta where their operations are located. But that does not mean it is then their responsibility to develop the Niger Delta areas and the entire country. Sadly, out of ignorance, majority of the people in the Niger Delta areas think that it is the responsibility of the Oil Companies to develop their cities, towns and villages. They should change this mindset because it is wrong. Let us channel our energies and grievances to those in Government, who have continued to fail us in their responsibilities.

Zik Gbemre.

December 14, 2019

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