Oborevwori highlights oil sector gains, as Kuri Well 2 nears completion

Oborevwori highlights oil sector gains, as Kuri Well 2 nears completion

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced that his administration had successfully facilitated engagements leading to the near-completion of KURI Well 2 in the Kuri Field (Makaraba field area) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

The well, operated by SHN Energy Ltd., is expected to significantly boost revenue for both the state and the country, while enhancing the local economy.

The governor made this disclosure during his State-of-the-State address to the Delta State House of Assembly, commemorating the second anniversary of his administration.

He said, “In the oil and gas sector, Delta State remains a haven for International Oil Companies (IOCs), marginal field operators, and ancillary service providers.

“In fact, Delta State was named the Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in Nigeria in 2024 at an award ceremony organized by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja.”

Oborevwori outlined several key achievements in the oil and gas sector under his administration, including: The successful prevention of a planned shutdown of the Otumara Flow Station in OML 42, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd. in Warri South West LGA.

“The shutdown, linked to fallout from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), would have cost Delta State 20,000 barrels per day from its production quota.

“Resolution of a decade-long ownership dispute over Well 9 in the Owhe Field, OML 30, operated by Heritage Operational Services Ltd., involving the Otor-Owhe and Olomoro communities in Isoko North and Isoko South LGAs.

“The peaceful resolution of a potential crisis between the Uzere community in Isoko South LGA and Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd. over the Independent Power Plant project. The administration also brokered a deal ensuring free gas supply to the plant for the next two years upon its completion.

“Stabilization of the petroleum product supply chain in Delta State through the swift resolution of internal disputes within the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union (PTDU). The administration also played a key role in establishing a peaceful leadership transition within the PTDU (NUPENG) in the state.”

Other notable achievements include “Mediation in a prolonged industrial dispute involving the Udu/Ughelli South and North OML 34 Host Community Workers Association and NPDC/ND Western, resulting in nearly a 100% increase in salaries and improved welfare for local staff.

“Resolution of the OML 26 AMT pipeline surveillance dispute involving Jeruvie Nig. Ltd., the Ozoro Monarch, and the Ikpide family of Ozoro Kingdom in Isoko North LGA.

“Successful intervention in the implementation of the PIA between Egbema community and Chevron Nigeria Ltd., which led to the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to foster peace and cooperation.

“Facilitation of PIA implementation and the creation of an HCDT for the OML 147 cluster operated by PANOCEAN Nigeria Ltd.”

Governor Oborevwori also noted that the achievements do not include the many communal, boundary, and chieftaincy disputes his administration had resolved across the state, further emphasizing its commitment to peace and sustainable development.