– Guarantees Safe Operating Environment
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged Oriental Energy Resources to prioritize local content participation and ensure that Akwa Ibom people, particularly those from the host communities, benefit fully from the company’s operations in the State.
Governor Eno made the call while delivering his remarks on Saturday, November 8, at the Sail Away Ceremony of the EMEM FPSO held in Dubai, describing the event as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and a reaffirmation of Akwa Ibom’s leading role as a key oil-producing state.
The Governor explained that the EMEM FPSO, owned by Oriental Energy, will be deployed to Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 15, in Akwa Ibom State, where it will handle crude oil production, processing, and offloading operations from the Okwok Field in Mbo Local Government Area.
He noted that the name Emem, which means peace, beautifully reflects Akwa Ibom’s development philosophy, rooted in peace, hospitality, and a firm commitment to creating an environment that attracts investors and fosters sustainable growth.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with Oriental Energy but urged the company to deepen its partnership with the State by aligning its operations with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act and other relevant regulations. He appealed to the company to establish a functional office in Uyo to coordinate operations from the State headquarters.
The Governor also encouraged Oriental Energy to engage qualified Akwa Ibom professionals in its management and technical operations, highlighting the State’s large pool of well-trained and experienced manpower in the oil and gas sector. He further emphasized that host communities, particularly Effiat and Mbo, must benefit from employment opportunities, contracts, and social projects arising from the company’s activities.
Reflecting on the importance of his presence at the event, Governor Eno said:
“For me to fly the distance and be here in person underscores the importance we place as a government in encouraging investors to come and work in Akwa Ibom. But in doing this, the interests of our people must be placed in the upper echelon of things.”
Governor Eno also reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security, which he described as the foundation of the State’s economic transformation under the ARISE Agenda.
“As a government, we will continue to provide security and maintain a peaceful operating environment for your company’s success. Akwa Ibom is open for business, and we stand ready to partner with serious investors to promote mutual growth and development,” the Governor stated.
He commended Oriental Energy for its confidence in Akwa Ibom and assured that his administration will sustain policies that enhance the ease of doing business and attract more investors to the State.
