Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has lauded Seplat Energy Plc for its sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and robust engagement with host communities, describing the company’s efforts as instrumental to peace and development in oil-producing areas.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Seplat Energy, led by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, at Government House, Asaba on Tuesday July 22, 2025, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to provide a conducive environment for seamless operations and investment growth in the state.
“I have closely followed your operations, even before I became governor,” Oborevwori said. “Your consistent engagement with communities through education, health interventions, and empowerment programmes is commendable. These initiatives are the bedrock of peace in the Niger Delta and play a vital role in boosting productivity.”
He praised Seplat’s contributions to educational advancement, including donation of learning materials, teacher training, and youth empowerment schemes, which he noted align with his administration’s MORE agenda of inclusivity and sustainable development.
The governor also acknowledged that 30 percent of Seplat Energy’s operational workforce are Delta State indigenes, but urged the company to go further by increasing local representation at leadership levels.
“It’s not enough to hire locals. We want to start seeing them in decision-making and management roles,” he emphasized. “I believe this aspiration is achievable in the near future.”
On operational challenges, Governor Oborevwori assured the Seplat team of the state government’s commitment to maintaining stability and resolving conflicts amicably.
“I am aware of the issues affecting your deep operations. Though you may have avoided raising them here, rest assured they will not repeat themselves. We value peace, dialogue, and cooperation. Confrontation benefits no one, neither the people nor the companies,” he said.
He stressed that economic sabotage and disruptions in oil production not only harm state revenues but also limit job creation and investor confidence.
“We will continue to champion a peaceful and enabling business environment that encourages mutual growth,” he affirmed.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Roger Brown expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued partnership, stating that Delta remains strategic to Seplat’s operations, hosting two of its most productive onshore blocks.
He highlighted the company’s recent milestones, including the near completion of a 1 million standard cubic feet per day gas plant in Sapele, which integrates Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and plans for future Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) production.
Brown also outlined Seplat’s CSR achievements, which include the Pearls Quiz programme that has impacted over 50,000 students, establishment of five STEAM labs, and the I Can See eye care initiative that has benefited over 2,000 individuals.
He further announced the company’s goal to eliminate routine gas flaring by the end of 2025, five years ahead of Nigeria’s national deadline, reinforcing Seplat’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The visit underscored a strong public-private partnership framework and mutual resolve to drive socioeconomic progress in Delta State.
