The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the operationalisation of the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC).
The establishment of ANSOPADEC is part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure development in oil-producing communities and strengthen the governance of the state’s petroleum resources.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Charles Ofoegbu, disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders from Ogbaru Local Government Area in Awka, the state capital.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Nomso Ebonwu, Ofoegbu said the initiative aligns with the law establishing the commission and reflects the Soludo administration’s commitment to ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit from resource-driven development.
He also announced that the Anambra State Executive Council had approved the construction of a road linking Atani and Umuezerabia communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area, where several oil wells are located.
READ ALSO: Anambra Reclaims Oil Wells From Delta, Boosting Revenue Prospects
Ofoegbu noted that a primary healthcare centre and a school would also be established in Umuezerabia, noting that the procurement process for the projects was at an advanced stage.
According to the commissioner, the projects form part of the state government’s broader agenda to expand infrastructure, improve access to essential social services, and promote inclusive development in communities contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He urged stakeholders in Ogbaru to formally articulate their priority needs through a memorandum to the state government, supported by technical recommendations addressing the environmental and developmental challenges associated with oil exploration and production.
He assured them of Governor Soludo’s commitment to the sustainable development of oil-producing communities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the traditional ruler of Ossomala Community, Igwe Victor Awogu, represented by the Secretary of the Ogbaru Summit Development Initiative, Honourable Emmanuel Ifeachor, commended the state government for engaging host communities and pledged continued cooperation.
The stakeholders appealed for increased investment in rural electrification, road infrastructure, and security, while also calling for greater inclusion of host communities in decisions affecting oil and gas development to ensure they fully benefit from resource exploitation.
The operationalisation of ANSOPADEC is expected to provide an institutional framework for coordinating development projects in Anambra’s oil-producing communities.
