LAGOS State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday expressed optimism that the state government will go a long way to forestall any incidence of environmental degradation, communal disputes and civil disturbances often associated with oil producing areas.
Governor Ambode gave this assurance while speaking at the inauguration of a 45-member Community Relations Committee at the VIP Chalet in Badagry.
This was just as the government argued that as much as oil was a major source of revenue in the country, its exploration had created serious environmental challenges affecting health, social and economic activities, sustainable development and ecological balance due to land degradation, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation and ecosystem degradation in the oil producing communities.
According to these activities amongst others have led to agitations from communities and youth groups leading to disruption of exploration activities, pipeline vandalisation and in extreme cases kidnapping and violence.
Besides, he said the development had made it difficult to conduct the business of oil production smoothly and ensure that the relationships between the oil companies and their host communities remained cordial at all times, adding that it had also affected negotiations for compensations for land acquisition, damages, and spills.
Governor Ambode, therefore, said that Lagos, being the home of Nigeria’s most critical commercial activities and now an oil producing state following the discovery of the product in Badagry area of the state, cannot afford to have any community unrests or disruption of peace.
It would be recalled that oil was discovered in the Badagry area of the state; in the Aje Oil Field, OML 113 and is being operated by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company.
“It is imperative that our oil producing companies and their host communities enjoy a very warm and mutually beneficial relationship.
“Sequel to the aforesaid and the need to create a conducive exploration environment for the oil companies as well as having host communities devoid of rancour to prevent the re-occurrence of the Niger Delta issues in Lagos State, we have constituted a committee for the Lagos State Oil Producing Areas Relations, cutting across the oil producing communities in Badagry,” Governor Ambode said.
The governor, while setting up the committee consisting of representatives of the state and local governments, the host communities, women and youths, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, said the committee would among other things, interface between the host communities and the oil companies in Badagry.
According to Governor Ambode, the committee will also coordinate a seamless implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), interventions planned for the Badagry Oil Producing Areas by oil producing companies in Badagry.
Speaking further, Governor Ambode said the committee would also be saddled with the responsibility of coordinating community and development issues between host communities, government, and oil producing companies operating in Badagry, adding that the committee would also be expected to ensure peace and harmony between host communities and oil producing companies in Badagry.
“Our government is committed to creating a conducive environment for all to thrive especially in our budding oil industry. We will always work to protect our people and ensure their improved welfare while at the same time providing an investor-friendly environment.
“On our part, we will take proactive measures to prevent oil spillage and where it happens, quickly move to clean it up according to globally accepted standards. We will also ensure the safety and security of our communities and operators at all times,” he said.
Alluding to the fact that the Badagry area was fast becoming a major hub for oil activities in Nigeria, Governor Ambode expressed optimism that the upcoming Badagry Deep Sea Port would provide logistic support for the oil and gas industry and further support the expansion of the economy of this axis thereby making it more viable and livable.
Expressing his appreciation to members of the committee for accepting to serve and contribute to the development of Lagos, he charged them to bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure cooperation and collaboration between the communities and the oil companies operating in Badagry.
“This is a tough assignment because it is not easy to mediate and arbitrate. I look forward to receiving the reports of your activities and the progress being made by our communities and oil companies,” he said.
Governor Ambode, who spoke while inaugurating Olusola Thomas Court House in Badagry, a new six-room court complex named after a former Chief Judge of the State, said the development was another strong representation of his commitment to the rule of law and social justice, as well as a testimony of the determination to ensure that distance or geographical location was not a barrier to citizens’ access to justice.
He recalled that prior to the construction of the facility, the entire town of Badagry, including residents from the Benin Republic border all the way to Okokomaiko were served by only two courts.
According to him, the courts include a Magistrate’s and a High Court, which he was grossly inadequate; a development he said necessitated the need to embark on the project.
Governor Ambode said the need to construct more courtrooms in the axis was also made imperative by the fact that the Badagry axis was fast evolving as a major economic hub in this state with vast potentials, especially in tourism and commerce.
Giving details on the features of the new complex, the Governor said: “The court has been equipped with modern facilities for the comfort of not only judges and magistrates but also everyone including lawyers and members of the public.
“The court has been designed to ensure the welfare and security of personnel and members of the public who have the course to be in the chambers of justice with the installation of CCTV surveillance cameras and monitors within the various courtrooms and the entire vicinity of this complex.
“There is a well-equipped Library, exhibit room and conference room facilities for the continued training and retraining of justice personnel assigned to this complex. This facility is also equipped with administrative offices that will service the six courtrooms and also accommodate the Office of Public Defender (OPD), which will continue to provide legal services and advice to the vulnerable,” the governor said.
Continuing, Governor Ambode assured that the bad state of roads leading to Badagry would soon be a thing of the past, saying the state government had already concluded the contract that takes the road from Eric More to Okokomaiko which he affirmed was ongoing.
“So, we are just looking to close the next transaction that takes that 10-lane road from Okokomaiko to Seme Border,” he added.
Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke, in her remarks, commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to deliver prompt and efficient service delivery.
Oke, while lauding the new courthouse, said it was also gratifying that the Governor Ambode was in the process of building official quarters for judges and magistrates in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry judicial divisions, as well as plans to establish commercial courthouse.
