President Muhammadu Buhari has restated the determination of his
administration to restore the country to the “good old days of
accountability”.
Speaking at a meeting Tuesday with the Director, Global Upstream of Shell
Oil Company at the State House, Abuja, President Buhari said he will leave
a legacy of improved infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, and
also ensure better security in the Niger Delta.
“It is only by doing this that investor morale and confidence will return,
and the economy will be positioned on the path of growth,” the President
said.
President Buhari, who commended Shell for their faith in the economy and
staying power, gave assurances on some issues of concern raised by the
company.
On the protracted issue of cash calls, the President assured that the
Federal Executive Council will soon consider a proposal for the easing of
unpaid arrears owed by the government.
President Buhari said that the security of oil infrastructure will
continue to be prioritized side-by-side with dialogue with the
stakeholder-communities in the Niger Delta.
He, however, urged oil companies to take more responsibility in the
protection of oil installations to complement the efforts of Nigerian Navy
in the region.
In his remarks, the Shell Director, Mr. Andrew Brown, informed the
President of the resumption of oil exportation through the Forcados
terminal following its restoration.
He called for continued protection by the Nigerian Navy in view of
repeated threats of attack by militants.
Brown commended the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari administration
as well as the efforts to streamline and stabilize the economy for long
term projects, saying all the efforts will go a long way to reinforce
Shell investment plans in Nigeria.