Hon. Emmanuel Makoji Egwu representing Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu federal constituency has called on the Federal Government to issue Oil Prospecting Licences on Ibaji oil with immediate effect.
He stated this in an interview with DAILY POST in Abuja, decrying that government’s inability to issue OPLs was denying itself and the state of revenues.
Egwu explained that oil which was discovered in commercial quantity had only one OPLs issued to Orient Petroleum which was being explored, but a situation where other areas in Alade, a community and other places at Ibaji in Kogi State have been lying fallow was unacceptable.
The lawmaker wondered at efforts being made by FG in looking for oil in the Northeast by committing huge sums of money, while that of Kogiwhich has been discovered and awaiting exploration was left fallow.
“I know of the serious effort which the federal government was making in the North East looking for oil, while that of Kogi already discovered has been left fallow”, he said.
“Only one OPL was issued to Orient Petroleum, but those at a community called Alade and around Ibaji in my federal constituency have not been issued with OPLs. I call on government to issue out OPLs to oil prospecting companies immediately”, he added.
According to him, the motions and campaigns which he had launched on the floor of the House was to draw government’s attention to the oil and other exploratory activities in the federal constituency which government should carry out in order to beef up economic profile of the nation.
He added that a federal road from Ajegwu – Idah – Onyedega, the headquarters of Ibaji LGA which was approved a long time has not been constructed, saying the road would enhance transportation of mineral resources in the area.
“There are other mineral resources to be explored in the area apart from oil and if the road from Ajegwu – Idah – Onyedega which was approved a long time ago is constructed, it will ease transportation”, Egwu maintained.
Comments