The Edo State Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources has convened a strategic meeting with the Pan Ocean Oil Corporation to discuss operational concerns, community relations, and development challenges affecting host communities, including Urhonigbe in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State.
The Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Hon. Andrew Momodu, in his welcome address, appreciated the representatives of Pan Ocean for honouring the Ministry’s invitation, and reiterated that the Ministry’s role is to mediate between oil companies and host communities to ensure accountability, balance, and sustainable development. Highlighting complaints received from the Urhonigbe Community regarding neglect and environmental issues linked to Pan Ocean’s operations, he stressed the importance of hearing directly from the Company.
Hon. Momodu also addressed broader concerns of insecurity and hostility in parts of the State, citing unresolved incidents of pipeline vandalism and attacks on oil infrastructure. While assuring Pan Ocean of the State Government’s support to prevent operational disruptions, he underscored the need for host communities to receive tangible benefits. He decried that despite funds being allocated through the Urhonigbe Community Trust, project implementation has stalled due to disagreements within the Community on project nominations.
The Commissioner requested detailed information about the Trust’s composition and urged the Company to involve the Ministry in project selection to ensure broad and meaningful impact. He advised that nominated projects should secure the necessary approvals from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to facilitate visible development. To ease recurring tensions, he proposed the establishment of a stakeholders’ forum to enhance dialogue and coordination among all parties, noting that poor alignment has contributed to delays and disputes.
Hon. Momodu also inquired about Pan Ocean’s corporate social responsibility initiatives beyond the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) requirements and its plans to expand gas infrastructure, particularly in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). He emphasized the need for increased investment in the Sector and encouraged the Company to prioritize host communities in its graduate trainee and employment programmes, in conjunction with the Ministry to improve coordination. He reassured the Company of the State Government’s active efforts to resolve boundary-related issues and its commitment to supporting the Company’s operations, while ensuring community benefits.
Responding, the Pan Ocean’s Operations Manager, Engr. Jude Oghomwen, explained that the Company’s presence in Edo State is primarily limited to pipeline infrastructure, with host communities engaged as partners in 24-hour surveillance, despite ongoing sabotage challenges. He clarified that some areas, including Oben, are not officially recognized as impacted communities, although efforts have been made to obtain such status.
Engr. Oghomwen stated that Pan Ocean operates in both upstream and midstream sectors and was exploring opportunities in CNG, with plans to develop the Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Processing Plant into a gas hub, subject to economic feasibility and feedstock availability. He disclosed that the Company’s nationwide graduate trainee programme covers the entire oil and gas value chain.
The Relations Manager of Pan Ocean, Mr. Patrick Ketike, described the relationship with the Urhonigbe Community as generally cordial, but hampered by internal disagreements. He explained that while funds have been allocated, the Community’s inability to agree on project priorities has delayed implementation.
Mr. Ketike disclosed that challenges persist in constituting the Trust’s Leadership, compounded by ongoing boundary disputes between Edo and Delta states. He added that although the Company previously supported scholarships and local participation in its trainee programme, some initiatives were suspended due to security concerns stemming from community conflicts. He emphasized that while communities determine project needs, Pan Ocean manages fund disbursement.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Idonije Mojisola Dupe, appreciated Pan Ocean and noted that the engagement provided clearer insights into the Urhonigbe Community’s concerns. She assured the Company of the Ministry’s continued efforts to engage stakeholders and resolve issues affecting project execution, encouraging sustained support for host communities through empowerment initiatives aimed at the overall development of Edo State.
