Lagos Oil Exploration: Assembly Calls For Stakeholders’ Meeting
Olaoluwa Folalu
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday called for stakeholders meeting over the discovery of oil in Badagry area of the state.
Among stakeholders identified by the House include exploration companies, state officials and the host communities.
Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, in a motion he moved on the matter during Monday plenary session submitted that the stakeholders should come together to discuss the socio-economic importance of the exploration of oil in the state and related issues.
He said that efforts must be made to ensure that the state does not go the way of Niger Delta and other oil producing states in Nigeria, who he said are suffering from environmental degradation with the activities of oil companies.
Hon. Mohammed stressed further that the discovery of oil in the state has called for the recognition of the state as an oil producing state, but that it was important to consider the consequences of the exploration.
The Hon.Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa while commenting stated that there was need for the state government to be pro-active on the matter and learn from the past.
His words: “We must safeguard the host communities and we must commend the companies that have been investing in oil exploration in the state over the years before oil was eventually discovered there.
“All necessary infrastructures must be put in place to protect the state and the host communities so that we would prevent what is happening in Niger Delta from happening in Lagos State”.
The Speaker added that the oil companies have to stop production if they have started so that the state government would be better prepared before they start operation.
Hon. Rotimi Olowo from Somolu Constituency 1, in his own contribution made reference to the degradation of Rivers State after the discovery of oil in the state, and pointed out that adequate infrastructure should be provided for the people of the area.
He said further that despite the fact that Nigerians were happy when oil was initially discovered in the country, it later turned to a source of sadness with the activities of the oil companies.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu from Eti Osa Constituency 2, in his contribution submitted that a special account should be created for the 13% derivation that would accrue to the state from the Federal Government as an oil producing state.
Hon. David Setonji representing Badagry Constituency 2 in his submission explained that he received the news of the discovery with mixed feelings.
He however, expressed fears that the exploration would negatively affect his people, and that a percentage of what would accrue to the state from oil revenue should be given to the area.
“Fishing activities would be affected in the area if the government does not do anything about it. We need Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the discovery to know what would eventually happen to our people, when exploration starts.
“We should take all the necessary steps so that we would not regret the discovery,” he said.
Hon. Victor Akande of Ojo Constituency 1 in his contribution stated that the oil companies should be made to employ 60% Lagos residents, especially those from Badagry area.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun, observed that there was need to learn from the past with the destruction of marine life, environmental pollution and oil spillage in the Niger Delta.
He recalled the efforts of the past government to provide palliatives for oil producing states and the people of the Niger Delta in the country, and that the oil companies must tell the state government how they would handle the consequences of the exploration.
The House subsequently adjourned sitting to Tuesday (today).
