Hon. Okojie Visits Canadian Embassy, Seek Possible Collaboration In The Oil Sector

The Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Odianosen Henry Okojie, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration towards the development of the Nation’s Oil and Gas Industry.

The Lawmaker, who represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State, made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to Mr. James Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria in Abuja.

The lawmaker who frowned over oil theft and pipeline vandalism as well as the incessant smuggling of crude products out of the country through the Nation’s waterways, commended the efforts of the Federal Government in halting the ill-propagated activities by introducing the initiative known as “OPERATION PLUG” which involved the engagement of Private Security Companies (PSCs). This laudable initiative, has so far yielded positive results as oil production rate increased to about 1.6 million barrel per day.

In a bid to further compliment the efforts already been implored by the Nigeria Government towards reducing the activities of oil theft and vandalism, Hon. Okojie, appealed to the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. James Christoff, on possible collaboration in the area of Security and surveillance around the pipeline networks across the country.

The Lawmaker, further stated the need for the Canadian embassy to open their investors to the opportunities in the country’ oil sector, as he assures them (Canadian government) of every Legislative support for a smooth possible collaboration.

While also expressing dissatisfaction at the slow rate of infrastructural development among others in the Niger Delta region, called for support grants from the Canadian government in order to develop the various host communities in the region.

He said the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), is working towards giving all the needed support as well as inspection of the various refineries across the country to ascertain progress of work which will further boost local production.

The High Commissioner who appreciated the visit of Hon. Okojie, reaffirmed the commitment of the bilatetal relationship shared by both countries as it relates to the oil and gas sector.

Mr. James Christoff, assured that he will liaise with their investors to relate with the committee for a better platform for better investments for the oil sector in Nigeria and the commitment of the Canadian government in other areas of collaboration.