The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, has affirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and secure operating environment for all oil and gas operators within the state.
The assurance was delivered by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Emeka Mgbudem Esq. at a critical Stakeholders Engagement. The meeting, recently convened by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development between government representatives and oil/gas operators, took place at the Marriott Protea Hotel on October 21, 2025.
This is contained in a release issued by the Information Officer, Ngozi Ukwenga and availed Daily Nigerian Horn.
In his opening remarks,
Commissioner Mgbudem stated that the engagement would mark a new chapter in the history of the partnership between the state and the operators, a chapter defined by trust, shared prosperity and sustainable development. He emphasized that the core objective of the engagement was to significantly strengthen the bond of collaboration between the state government and operators in the oil and gas sector. According to him ” as partners in progress, we share a common goal- to ensure a safe, stable and enabling environment for investment and operations”
The Commissioner anchored the agenda of the engagement on two critical and foundational pillars of collaboration and security of personnel and assets. He emphasized that these are essential for sustaining production and protecting critical infrastructure and guaranteeing mutual benefits for the companies, host communities and the state.
He assured operators that the government of Imo State under the leadership of Gov Hope Uzodimma is committed to creating a climate where businesses can thrive without disruption. According to Hon Mgbudem, “we believe that with open communication, shared responsibility and coordinated security efforts, we can eliminate threats and foster confidence in the state’s energy sector making trust to replace tension and safety to replace insecurity”
The Commissioner highlighted Imo State’s unique position a state with huge natural gas deposit. He stressed that the indigenes of the state especially those who have called the locations where oil and gas exploration and exploitation take place home for generations deserve to benefit from it in a more transparent and sustainable manner. He assured the meeting of the government’s commitment to give Imo citizens access to affordable energy especially through the state’s gas to power projects and universal clean cooking programmes.
Barr. Mgbudem conveyed the Governor’s displeasure regarding oil companies that operate within the state without maintaining local offices in Imo. He announced that the government is fully prepared to facilitate and provide the necessary support for companies that require land to establish their operational presence locally.
Concluding his address, he stated that Imo is a state pulsing with promise. A promise to transform potential into progress. He charged all stakeholders present to cooperate and collaborate, and inspire others to make Imo the state that delivers what was once thought impossible.
Hon. Modestus Osakwe, Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, articulated the Ministry’s core mandate: to safeguard the lives and properties of Imolites and to ensure the security of all investments within the state. He underscored that His Excellency the Governor has instituted robust security measures to tackle prevailing security challenges, specifically highlighting the imminent graduation and deployment of indigenes trained for local vigilante security outfits. These personnel will be reintegrated into their communities to enhance security through intelligent surveillance, guaranteeing a safe operating environment for all residents and businesses.
The House Member representing Oguta State Constituency and Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum, Oil & Gas, (ISOPADEC), Hon. Gilbert Chigozie Nwosu commended the Governor for facilitating the engagement, viewing it as a critical forum for interaction among the government, oil and gas companies, and host communities. He stressed the imperative of collaboration to foster peace, drive progress, and prevent the loss of life and assets in the operating communities. He advised companies to conduct thorough needs assessments prior to project commencement, utilizing stakeholder meetings to ensure mutual agreement and avoid duplication of developmental efforts. He concluded by affirming the legislature’s commitment to protecting the interests of the local populace and ensuring the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Comrade Evans Reward, President General (PG) of Assa Community, highlighted hi community’s proactive role in ensuring security. He noted their successful joint efforts with the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) in curbing criminal activities and securing company facilities. Comrade Reward specifically lauded operators like Watersmith and Seplat for their commitment to corporate social responsibility, citing the employment of indigenes and the execution of impactful community development projects. He urged other operators, such as Renaissance, to emulate these best practices to ensure their positive impact is genuinely felt by the host communities as this has posed a serious challenge to the host communities.
Mr. Hope Nuka of Renaissance expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Commissioner for the interactive session, which he stated clarified governmental expectations and ensured the company would not be perceived as irresponsible or disloyal. He pledged Renaissance’s commitment to maintaining a mutual and collaborative relationship with both the government and host communities. Mr. Nukas promised full compliance with state regulations and assured the government of the company’s willingness to contribute its quota while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and the assurance of security for their personnel and facilities. He highlighted some of the CSR projects of Renaissance including the $5m Innovation Centre at FUTO, the ongoing 17klm Umuapu- Assa road, the ongoing hospital project in Assa, the proposed 8klm internal roads in Assa among others.
Finally, the Chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Okoye commended some of the oil/gas companies that are complying with government’s directives noting that they are immensely contributing to the IGR of the state. He urged others to review their books and improve their PAYEE payments to the state. He informed the meeting that there are taxes, rates, bills and levies meant to be paid by oil & gas companies and that there are portals where these payments can be verified.
He maintained that the government cannot over labour them while they play their role.
The meeting was graced by team members from Renaissance Africa, Waltersmith Petroman, Anoh Gas Processing Company, Sahara Upstream, Seplat Energy, Sterling Global Oil Resources, Antan Producing, Hilltop Petroleum, ( Oando Energy was duly excused from early attendance) members of the Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Oil/Gas including Hon Kelechi Ofurum, Hon. Ben Ozoemelam, the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs: Hon. Modestus Osakwe, the Executive Chairmen of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East LGAs, representatives of the Governors Office, Mrs. Ifeoma Ibeka, Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, PGs of Assa and Obile autonomous communities, amongst others.
