Dafinone: Urhobo Gas Park Delta Interests Protected Amid Disputes

• Senator Ede Dafinone affirmed his commitment to protecting Urhobo economic interests regarding the proposed Industrial Gas Park in Delta State.
• His legislative oversight revealed challenges including land acquisition disputes and concerns over the Sanubi-Orogun gas park location.
• Dafinone insists any project adjustments must involve proper consultation and safeguard Urhobo community economic interests.
• He plans to continue engaging stakeholders like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for a responsible resolution.
• The Senator views the gas park as a significant opportunity for investment and employment, emphasizing the need for collective economic benefit.

Any decision concerning the future location of the Industrial Gas Park must be carefully considered to ensure that the project does not ultimately result in the economic opportunity being removed from Urhobo territory.

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the economic interests of the Urhobo people concerning the proposed Industrial Gas Park. This significant project is slated for Sanubi-Orogun, located within the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. His position was articulated in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday, addressing what he described as prevailing controversy and misinformation surrounding the development.

As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Dafinone emphasized that he has never, nor will he ever, endorse any initiative that could potentially deprive the Urhobo nation of the substantial economic benefits associated with this strategic industrial undertaking. His clear stance is firmly anchored on the imperative to protect the collective interests of the constituents within his senatorial district. This intervention underscores the heightened legislative scrutiny applied to major industrial projects in Nigeria, particularly those impacting local communities.

Senator Dafinone's direct involvement with the Industrial Gas Park project intensified through his legislative oversight responsibilities and ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). These interactions brought to light several critical challenges hindering the project's progress. Among the most prominent issues identified were complex land acquisition processes, existing ownership disputes, and specific concerns regarding the suitability of the proposed Sanubi-Orogun gas park location.

The Senator stressed that these identified issues are genuine and demand serious attention, cautioning against their deliberate misrepresentation or outright dismissal. He clarified that his efforts to address these challenges should not be misinterpreted as opposition to the project itself, nor as an attempt to relocate it away from Urhobo land. This perspective highlights the intricate balance required between industrial development and respecting local land rights and community concerns, a common theme in Delta State land acquisition disputes.

Senator Dafinone reiterated that his fundamental duty as the representative for Delta Central is to engage with all relevant authorities to ensure the protection of Urhobo community economic interests. He firmly stated that any future decisions regarding the Industrial Gas Park's location must be meticulously evaluated to guarantee that the economic opportunities it presents remain firmly within Urhobo territory. This commitment aligns with broader Nigeria local content compliance objectives, aiming to maximize local participation and benefit from industrial projects.

While acknowledging that legitimate technical, environmental, or land-related considerations might necessitate certain adjustments to the project, he insisted that such decisions must be reached through proper consultation processes. Crucially, these consultations must give due consideration to the economic interests of the Urhobo people. The Senator views the Industrial Gas Park as a significant catalyst capable of attracting substantial investment, generating employment opportunities, and fostering industrial development across the region.

Looking ahead, Senator Dafinone pledged to continue his engagements with the NCDMB, various federal authorities, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. The overarching goal of these ongoing discussions is to achieve a responsible and equitable resolution to all outstanding issues surrounding the project. He cautioned against allowing the matter to devolve into political propaganda or a contest over who deserves credit for the initiative.

Instead, the Senator emphasized that the primary focus must remain squarely on the collective economic interest and the long-term development of the Urhobo nation. He urged all parties involved to approach the situation with maturity and a shared commitment to finding a lasting solution that will effectively preserve the industrial and economic benefits of the proposed project for the people of Urhobo land.

Lawyers advising on industrial projects in Nigeria, especially those involving land acquisition and community interests, should note the heightened legislative scrutiny and community advocacy exemplified by Senator Dafinone's actions. This underscores the critical need for thorough due diligence on land ownership, robust community engagement strategies, and compliance with local content requirements to mitigate disputes and ensure project viability.

Source: Reporting based on statements made to Punch Newspapers.