Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited has announced its dedication to community development in Bayelsa State.

In a press release, Oando promised to build good relationships with important stakeholders, like government officials, regulators, and local communities, in the pursuit of development.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State welcomed the management of Oando on Thursday after the company recently obtained Nigerian Agip Oil Company, lauded its dedication to the state government and local communities, and advised them to prioritise local content and community development, according to the statement.

Ainojie Irune, the Managing Director of Oando, and his team met with the Bayelsa State governor, Diri, in Yenagoa, where they stated the company’s plans for the state.

Irune affirmed Oando’s 30-year journey from its start in the downstream oil sector to its growth into the midstream and upstream sectors, including its purchase of a 40 percent interest in the joint venture with NAOC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The company promised to pay attention to key areas, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development in Bayelsa and throughout the four states where it runs its business.

Oando also planned to tackle the state’s energy problems, specifically the lack of reliable electricity in many Bayelsa communities.

Diri lauded the company's leadership, saying, “We are happy that a local company like Oando is now responsible for a multinational oil company that has operated in Bayelsa for over forty years.” 

He expressed confidence that Oando would outperform previous companies operating in the state.

Bayelsa is known as Nigeria’s oil and gas centre and stands to gain from Oando’s purchase, which is expected to raise economic activities, create employment opportunities, and improve the state’s energy sector.

Governor Diri advised Oando to engage local communities in its operations, especially in decision-making procedures that impact them.