Oborevwori Assures Oil Investors of Security, Stability: “Delta Is Open for Business"

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has pledged the state government’s unwavering support and commitment to providing a secure and business-friendly environment for oil and gas investors. The assurance came Thursday during a high-level engagement with the leadership of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the new buyer of Shell’s interests in the NNPC/SPDC/Total/Agip Joint Ventures.

Amid ongoing transitions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to protect the investments of oil companies and foster a collaborative atmosphere with host communities.

Speaking while hosting top executives of Renaissance Africa Energy Company at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that Delta remains one of the most peaceful and investment-ready states in the South-South region.

“The foundation of Nigeria’s economy is oil,” the governor said, “and for us in Delta, we are proud to be the highest oil-producing state in the country. That is a responsibility we take seriously. I want to assure you that your operations here are safe. Delta is peaceful, and our oil facilities have remained secure since I assumed office.”

The delegation was led by Dr. Layi Fatoma, Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, which recently acquired Shell’s stake in the major oil joint venture in Nigeria. Also present was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Tony Attah.

Governor Oborevwori, reflecting on his personal history with Shell, shared that he was once the youngest community chairman working with the oil giant in the western division. “I was chairman of Osubi community and had a close working relationship with Shell. We held regular People’s Parliament meetings and participated in oil seminars with regional leaders. That experience taught me that dialogue always yields better outcomes than confrontation.”

He urged the new operators to adopt a similar approach by fostering inclusive partnerships with host communities, saying that trust and transparency are key to sustainable operations.

“Engaging the communities, carrying them along, and making them feel like stakeholders—this is what ensures lasting peace and operational success,” the governor said. “If the people feel heard and involved, your operations will thrive.”

Oborevwori reiterated the state’s policy of zero tolerance for sabotage and affirmed the government’s readiness to support all legitimate investors contributing to the economy. “The government will support you to succeed, because when you succeed, we succeed—through employment, community development, and tax revenue.”

In his remarks, Dr. Layi Fatoma thanked the governor for the warm reception and for the long-standing support previously extended to Shell. He said the visit was to formally introduce the new management to the state leadership and assure them of the company’s commitment to local partnership.

Also speaking, Engr. Tony Attah outlined the company’s vision for energy development, starting from the Niger Delta and expanding across Africa. “We are a 100 percent Nigerian company, led by Deltans. Our goal is to promote energy security in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

He praised the Delta State Government’s MORE Agenda for development, saying it aligns closely with their corporate vision. “We are confident that the support you gave to Shell will be surpassed in our time. We are homegrown and deeply connected to the communities. We want to be part of Delta’s success story.”

The meeting marks a significant step in the state’s evolving relationship with major players in the oil and gas industry, signaling a renewed commitment to dialogue-driven, community-inclusive growth.