POLITICAL Economy

Anambra Sets Up Oil Commission, Boosts Host Communities

by admin on | 2026-08-06 13:18:45

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Anambra Sets Up Oil Commission, Boosts Host Communities

The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has sanctioned the operationalisation of the State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC). 

This approval is part of the state government's strategic initiative to enhance development within the oil-producing communities and to strengthen the governance of petroleum resources. 

During a meeting held in Awka with stakeholders from the Ogbaru Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, made this announcement. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nomso Ebonwu. 

Professor Ofoegbu emphasised that this initiative is in accordance with the legal framework that established the commission and underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that communities involved in oil production derive tangible benefits from resource-oriented development.

Ofoegbu has announced that the State Executive Council has approved the construction of a road that will connect the Atani Community to the Umuezerabia Community in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, a region where several oil wells are situated.

Furthermore, he stated that a primary healthcare centre and a school are to be established in Umuezerabia, indicating that the procurement process for these initiatives is currently at an advanced stage.

According to the commissioner, these projects are integral to the Soludo administration's broader objective of enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to essential social services, and promoting inclusive development within communities that contribute to Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

He urged stakeholders in Ogbaru to delineate their priority needs by submitting a formal memorandum to the state government, which should include technical recommendations for addressing the environmental and developmental challenges associated with oil exploration and production.

The governor's commitment to sustainable development and enhanced living standards in the region was reaffirmed.

During the proceedings, the traditional ruler of the Ossomala Community, Igwe Victor Awogu, who was represented by Emmanuel Ifeachor, Secretary of the Ogbaru Summit Development Initiative, expressed appreciation for the state government's efforts to engage host communities and pledged ongoing collaboration with the administration.

The stakeholders articulated a request for increased investment in rural electrification, road infrastructure, and security, while also advocating for the greater inclusion of host communities in decisions related to oil and gas development.

They emphasised the importance of equitable access to the benefits derived from the exploitation of natural resources.

The establishment of the Anambra State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC) is anticipated to create a structured framework for coordinating development initiatives in Anambra's oil-producing communities. 

It aims to complement national strategies that promote sustainable resource management, community participation, and inclusive economic growth within Nigeria's oil-producing areas.