Why Chevron GMoU has helped in developing oil bearing communities- IRDC Image Maker

The Public Relations Officer of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, IRDC, Mr. Steve Jemerigbe says the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU put in place by oil major, Chevron Nigeria Limited to ensure the development of its host communities has recorded reasonable infrastructural and human capital development in the oil producing communities  because of its transparency.

According to the IRDC Image Maker who also doubles as Chairman of  Communication Sub Committee, the old memorandum of understanding formerly entered into with the different Chevron host communities failed to record any positive impact in the oil bearing communities due to in-sincerity of some of the community leaders, a situation which he said has been greatly checked with the GMoU model which makes the Community Engagement Management Board, CEMB release funds based on community needs and projects such as housing, concrete jetties and cottage hospitals and the projects are effectively monitored and executed.

Mr. Jemerigbe who was speaking to selected newsmen in Warri noted that the pockets of persons who may be canvassing a return to the old MoU with individual communities may be doing so for selfish reasons or are yet to understand the present GMoU model.

While noting that the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee has good synergy with NGOs, NDDC and other relevant government agencies to avoid duplication of projects, Mr. Jemerigbe posited that with more funding, the IRDC would record improved infrastructural and human capital development of the 23 Itsekiri oil and gas producing as well as impacted communities serving as host to Chevron.

He stressed the need for local content policy to be implemented in the award of contracts in the oil bearing communities so as to strengthen the capacities of the people as well as ensure development that are community driven.

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