The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has given assurances to the Bayelsa State Government that the revoked license for OML 46, also known as Atala Oilfield, might be returned to the state.
Lokpobiri, during a visit to Governor Douye Diri, expressed regret over the revocation of the Atala oilfield license and pledged to use his influence to bring back the asset.
The license was controversially revoked in April 2020 during the tenure of Timipre Sylva as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Lokpobiri’s visit aimed to seek collaboration with the state government to address issues concerning Bayelsa and enhance the state’s dividends of democracy.
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He congratulated Governor Diri on his re-election and sought the government’s partnership in tackling pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, which had adversely affected the state’s revenue from the Federation Account.
The minister raised concerns about the pollution caused by illegal bunkering activities in Bayelsa, emphasizing the need to protect the state’s water and land resources.
He highlighted the impact of illegal refineries on the state’s income, mentioning a reduction in derivation money for several months in 2023.
Governor Diri acknowledged Lokpobiri’s appointment and expressed readiness to collaborate on combating oil theft and illegal bunkering, particularly to protect the ecosystem.
He appreciated the assurance that Atala oilfield might be returned to Bayelsa and urged Lokpobiri to work together with the state government to attract development to the region.
Diri also emphasized the importance of fiscal federalism and resource control in determining the true viability of states.
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