- Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has pledged full support for Renaissance Africa Energy, the new operator of NNPC joint venture assets in the state.
- Diri stressed the need for collaboration with host communities, emphasising inclusiveness, sustainability, and fairness in energy development.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has pledged full support for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the new operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) joint venture assets in the state.
On Wednesday, April 16, Diri welcomed Renaissance Africa’s leadership to the Government House in Yenagoa. He expressed confidence in the company’s ability and commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local communities.
With his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other state officials present, Diri assured Renaissance Africa that it would enjoy a “supportive and cordial” relationship with the state. He promised this would differ from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s previous relationship.
Diri praised Renaissance Africa as a “truly Nigerian company” and commended its leadership for taking a local approach to managing Nigeria’s energy resources.
“We are proud of the ‘Nigerianness’ of your leadership. It is refreshing to see an energy company that understands the environment and the people it works with,” Diri said.
Furthermore, the governor reassured Renaissance Africa that Bayelsa State would offer more support than Shell received in the region. “Let me assure you that you will enjoy a more supportive and cordial relationship from the Bayelsa State Government than Shell had,” Diri remarked. “We are committed to working with you to ensure your success and our communities’ benefit.”
Additionally, Diri stressed the importance of collaboration between oil operators and host communities. He pointed out that peace and development can only happen if companies engage responsibly and inclusively.
“The days of exclusion and exploitation must give way to inclusiveness, sustainability, and fairness. With its Nigerian leadership and renewed energy, Renaissance is well-positioned to lead this transformation,” he said.
In response, Renaissance Africa’s management thanked the state government for its warm reception. They reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable, community-focused energy development.
Diri ended by asking the host communities to support the new operator. He also clarified that Bayelsa would closely monitor the company’s community engagement efforts.
“This is a new chapter. Bayelsa is open for business, but more importantly, we are open for partnerships based on respect, inclusion, and progress,” Diri said.