ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Host communities of Nigerian Agip Oil Company ,NAOC, under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), have commended the oil major for inaugurating Quick Response Team to secure and prevent recurring oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The host communities consist of Emeyal/Kolo Creek Clan, Engenni/Abua/Odua Clans and Omoku/Orashi clans.
MOSIEND on Saturday specifically praised the Managing Director, NAOC, Mr Roberto Daniele, for the award of the surveillance contract, saying it would go a long way to minimising oil theft in the Niger Delta.
It expressed delight in the award of the contract to Abili Integrated Services Limited and other indigenous companies, saying it was a well thought out initiative.
The group described AISL as a focused, efficient and community-oriented company.
MOSIEND said: “As critical stakeholders, we observed that since the coming of Roberto Daniele as NAOC MD, alongside Mr Tony Novizio, Security consultant and Mr Stanley Umukoro, Security Manager, the corporate image of Agip has improved tremendously.
“Agip has resolved intractable security issues timely. It also adopted a contemporary professional standard in scrutinising the tenders and bidding process that saw to the emergence of some successful companies in a transparent and satisfactory manner.
“Frankly, Roberto Daniele has brought a whole lot of content that has improved Corporate Social Responsibility engagements, promoted prompt implementation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), hence promoting healthy relations between NAOC and its host communities.”
The group rationalised that NAOC was currently adjudged as one of the leading international oil companies in terms of maintaining good corporate ethical standards in its dealing with host communities’ issues and their sustainable development packages.
It, however, called on the management of the oil company to seek proactive ways and means of addressing some of the genuine concerns of the landlords of host communities to deepen peace and stability within its area of operations.
“We also wish to use this medium to congratulate Mr Ezekiel Aggrey as he emerged the Chairman of Ahoada West Cluster Board of NAOC. We are hoping that Aggrey will bring his wealth of experience to further cement the cordial relationship existing between host communities and NAOC,” MOSIEND said.