TheCable

The Imo government says the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) will resume operations in the state. 

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, made the announcement on Thursday, according to a statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, his chief press secretary.

The governor disclosed the plans after a meeting with Osagie Okunbor, managing director, SPDC, and other key officials of the oil firm, in Abuja. 

In August 2021, six workers were killed in Imo following an attack by gunmen on an oil facility managed by SPDC.

Following the incident, the Assa North/Ohaji South gas development project, which started in 2019, was suspended in the month.

“The planned return of Shell to Imo is one out of numerous efforts Governor Uzodimma had made recently to bring back companies that left the State either as a result of insecurity or liquidation based on debt overhang,” the statement reads. 

Speaking on the planned resumption, Uzodimma said one of the observations of his administration “was the fact that Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) had been off-site and suspended operations in Imo State as a result of insecurity, vandalism and illegal oil bunkering within the region”.

“Having restored peace and tranquillity along the coastline, today, I met yet again with the managing director and chairman of the oil giant, Osagie Okunbor and I am elated at his assurance and confirmation of the company’s resolve to resume exploration in the state.”

He said the development is expected to create an economic boost for the growth of local content within the region and the state at large as well as contribute to more developmental projects from the government. 

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Imo State, I express my profound gratitude to the management and staff of SPDC. Rest assured that the state government is committed to any partnership that would bring about the development of the state,” he said.