The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged youths in the Niger Delta to reject crime and embrace intellectual and constructive approaches in driving regional development.
Akpabio made the remarks at the two-day Niger Delta Oil and Gas Investment and Security Summit held in Calabar from August 29 to 30.
The theme of the summit was “Constructive Engagement for the Protection of Oil and Gas Assets and Supporting Institutions to Drive Implementation of Extant Laws to Deepen Local Content Realisation.”
Represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities, Benson Agadaga, Akpabio stressed that the people of the Niger Delta should be known for reasoned engagement rather than agitation or mere complaints.
“It is through platforms like this summit that ideas are shared to help develop our communities and advance our environment. The laws exist, but it is up to us to bring them to life,” he said.
“The Petroleum Industry Act, the Local Content Act, and the Environmental Content Development and Monitoring Act all provide avenues for progress. People should take the bull by the horns and invest in the oil and gas industry.”
He added, “There is nothing wrong if two or three individuals or organisations come together to establish their own company and invest in the region’s oil and gas sector.”
Speaking at the summit, Minister of State for Petroleum Gas, Ekpirikpe Ekpo, highlighted federal government investments in the sector, including the gas-to-methanol plant in Bayelsa.
Represented by his Senior Technical Advisor, Abel Nsa, he noted Cross River State’s strategic position for attracting methanol projects, creating jobs, promoting technology transfer, and fostering gas-based industrialisation.
Ekpo emphasised that gas from Akwa Ibom is transported via the Eastern Horizon Pipeline through Cross River, terminating at UniCem in Mfamosin, creating opportunities for regional gas exports.
“By leveraging this corridor, Nigeria can generate foreign exchange, strengthen regional energy security, and position Calabar as a true export hub,” he said, while warning that oil theft and pipeline vandalism threaten investor confidence.
Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, Regional Director of Africa Robotics and Autonomous Systems, also spoke at the summit, attributing regional challenges to poor leadership and weak justice systems.
He urged investment in youth development and technology, noting that scholarships, employment, and infrastructure development could reduce insecurity and foster growth.
Ogwus further called on Niger Delta communities to unite, speak with one voice, and avoid greed, which he described as a major obstacle to progress.
