By A. M. Nasiru.
The member representing Ankpa-Omala-Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi state in the House of Representatives, Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims has called n oil and gas companies in the country to initiate nationwide corporate social responsibility (CSR) to engender unity among Nigerians.
Halims made the call while on an oversight function of the House Committee on Oil and Gas Resources, led by the Committee Chairman and member Representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Oilservy Limited in Edo and Delta States respectively.
The lawmaker noted that just like the NNPC and NIMASA’s annual scholarship and essay competitions that seeks entries from across the nation, oil and gas industries should endeavor to extend their corporate social responsibilities to places in dire need, stressing that such will give succor to Nigerians.
He also called for alternative fuel sources, through the use of biotechnologies, against over dependence on petroleum and the liquefied natural gas sources.
The Chairman, Rt. Hon Mutu noted, in his separate remarks at the facilities visited, that the Committee was carrying out an exercise of their constitution powers which reserves for them, the right to oversee, checkmate and query, where necessary the activities of relevant government agencies under the various Committees of National Assembly.
The committee visited the NPDC’s headquarters, drilling stations and natural gas stations in Edo State during their first day on oversight and later visited the Oilservy Limited Pipelines and Facilities at Oben Warri in Delta State on the second day of the oversight.
The NPDC was established in 1988 and its activities cover the spectrum of the upstream Oil and Gas business. Operations are concentrated mainly in the Niger Delta and span five States (Imo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers) with over two hundred and fifty-seven host communities.
Recalled that late last year, Rep Halims, through his membership of this constitutional committee, facilitated an all expense paid undergraduate and post graduate academic scholarships for his constituents to study oil and gas related courses.
