The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has pledged his administration’s support for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the new operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited joint venture assets in the state.
Diri, who received the leadership of Renaissance Africa at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, expressed confidence in the company’s capacity and commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with host communities.
The governor, alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other members of the state executive council, assured the energy firm of a more “supportive and cordial” relationship than what was accorded to its predecessor, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited.
Diri described Renaissance as a “truly Nigerian company,” applauding its leadership for what he called a homegrown approach to managing energy resources.
“We are proud of the ‘Nigerianness’ of your leadership. It is refreshing to see an energy company with a deep understanding of the environment and people it operates with,” he said.
According to a statement made available to journalists, Diri said, “Let me assure you that you will enjoy a more supportive and cordial relationship from the Bayelsa State Government than what Shell had during its time here.
“We are committed to working with you to ensure that your operations are successful and that our communities feel the positive impact.”
The governor further stressed the importance of collaboration between oil operators and host communities, noting that peace and development can only be sustained when companies engage inclusively and responsibly.
He added, “The days of exclusion and exploitation must give way to inclusiveness, sustainability, and fairness. Renaissance, with its Nigerian leadership and renewed energy, is well-positioned to lead this transformation.”
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited now succeeds Shell as the operator of the NNPCL/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/AENR joint venture assets in Bayelsa.
In response, Renaissance’s management expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the state government and reiterated its commitment to sustainable and community-focused energy development.
Diri concluded by calling on host communities to also extend cooperation to the new operator, adding that Bayelsa would closely monitor the company’s community engagement policies.
“This is a new chapter. Bayelsa is open for business, but more importantly, we are open for partnerships built on respect, inclusion, and progress,” he said.