Diri to Renaissance: Operate differently from predecessors, carry host communities along

Douye Diri, the Bayelsa state governor, has advised Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the new owners of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)’s assets, to operate differently from the former owners.

Diri spoke on Wednesday in Yenegoa when he received the management of Renaissance Africa Energy, including Layi Fatona, its chairman; Tony Attah, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), and other officials.

The governor noted that before SPDC’s divestment, host communities were unfairly treated, receiving minimal benefits from the oil proceeds, which led to protests and demands by state governments for a more equitable arrangement.

He urged Renaissance to adopt a more inclusive and community-focused approach than their predecessors.

“When we heard that SPDC had divested, we advised that the new company carry the host states along because part of the issues with the previous operator were that they were seen more like buccaneers,” Diri said.

“They were like people who came to the communities to collect and in return gave nothing back.

“Of course, the other party that also enjoys the oil arrangement is the federal government. Even out of protests and agitations, what the Niger Delta states get is a paltry 13 percent.

“There is nothing wrong if states are co-owners with you even if it is a little percentage and that is what l have been pushing for. l think it is not too late now that we have our own people there.

“If we are co-owners, there is even the tendency that we will protect it more just as we are doing with the 13 percent. See what you can do to include the interest of Bayelsa state.”

He expressed displeasure with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that it sidelines state and local governments by allowing the federal government and oil companies to engage directly with the communities.

“But you have now come in. So please, do not be the buccaneers that people used to know about SPDC, Nigerian Agip Oil Company and all other oil companies that have operated on our land,” the governor said.

Diri commended the company’s management for taking over SPDC, an oil firm that had been under foreign control for many years.

He also urged them to address environmental pollution, stressing that by acquiring SPDC’s assets, they must also take responsibility for its associated liabilities.

RENAISSANCE CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIP IN PROMOTING ENERGY SECURITY

In his remarks, the chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited said the team was in Bayelsa to introduce the company and share its vision with the state government following its acquisition of SPDC’s assets.

Fatona called for the state government’s partnership in promoting energy security through the administration’s ASSURED prosperity agenda, aiming to contribute to Bayelsa’s development.

Also speaking, the managing director of Renaissance acknowledged Bayelsa’s support for Shell, the former operator, and praised the governor for his visionary leadership.

Attah said the company aims to become a continental leader in energy security and drive industrialisation by harnessing domestic gas resources, with a particular focus on Bayelsa, which holds significant gas potential.