A labour leader, Comrade Simeon Eleojo Opaluwa has called on the state government to establish Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOPADEC).
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Opaluwa said the call became necessary following the recognition of Kogi as one of the oil-producing states in the country by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
He posited that, like other oil producing states, the proposed commission will design development plans for host communities and the entire state.
“Establishing Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOPADEC) is an idea whose time has come.
“Kogi state is expecting 13% of the revenue from oil activities in the area and the 3% revenue to the host communities as provided for by the just passed petroleum industry act (PIA).
“The commission will help stabilize and ensure peace in the new oil producing communities. It will also help accelerate development.
“I call on the state government to put modalities in place for the immediate take-off of the commission,” he said.
Opaluwa said the call for the establishment of development commission is necessary to ensure the state hit the ground running ahead of the release of derivation fund.
