Seplat Energy Plc’s commitment to its host communities in terms of stronger partnership, especially in empowerment programmes, educational support, healthcare interventions and favourable operating environment has attracted commendation from the Delta State government, just as the company pledges responsible leadership and energy sector transformation
By Edu Abade
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has commended Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous energy company, for its sustainability commitments, especially in the execution of its signature Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes, strong engagement with the people and interventions in host communities.
The governor assured the energy company of the state’s continued support and partnership, whilst guaranteeing a peaceful and favourable environment for its operations.
Oborevwori gave the assurance when he received the management team of Seplat Energy, led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Roger Brown, at Government House, Asaba.
He praised the company’s approach to community relations, particularly its empowerment programmes, education support, and healthcare interventions, describing them as key to maintaining peace in oil-producing areas.
Oborevwori, said; “Before I became governor, I closely monitored your operations – how you engage with your host communities and empower them. From school donations to teacher training and medical outreach, you have shown strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. So, what you are saying today is not new to me.
“All the efforts you have made regarding community empowerment, donation of learning materials, teacher training, and other CSR activities are commendable.
“These are the things that foster peace between international oil companies and their host communities. Your efforts promote peace, and with peace, production increases. As I have said in my MORE Agenda, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to do more.”
The governor commended Seplat Energy’s employment policy, noting that about 30 percent of its operational workforce comes from Delta State.
Continuing, Governor Oborevwori said; “I have been briefed recently about the challenges your company is facing in some of your operations. But I want to assure you that such issues will not happen again. Today, we are respected at the national level because of our contributions to the centre, and that’s only possible through peace and cooperation.
“We believe in resolving grievances through dialogue rather than confrontation, because confrontation doesn’t benefit the people or the companies. If you are not working, there is no way you can comply with your CSI. As a people, we know that economic sabotage reduces our crude oil production quota, discourages investors, and limits job and wealth creation. I assure you that we will continue to work together for mutual benefit.”
Responding Brown said the company has been in Delta State for 15 years, noting that the State remained strategic to Seplat Energy’s growth.
According to him, the company is committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and lasting partnerships with host communities; and today, is one of the largest gas players in the country with almost 2.5 BCF of gas processing capacity (with 3 on-shore gas plants and 2 offshore gas processing units).
He added, “We expect to reach 850mmscfd gas on-shore going to the domestic market. Daily we account for 25 to 30 per cent of gas to power. In Delta State, our major fields include Amukpe, Oben, Okporhuru, Ovhor, Sapele, Sapele Shallow and half of Orogho.
“Seplat recently completed a new 90MMscfd gas plant in Sapele. We are in the process of finalizing an LPG unit targeted at the local market and we have taken the decision to put a CNG unit at Sapele (a first for Seplat) which will be ready towards the end of next year. This fits perfectly with the Federal Government’s drive for widespread LPG and CNG usage.”
According to Mr. Brown, Seplat Energy remains a major employer and investor in Delta State, with a strong focus on local recruitment and workforce development, of which 27 per cent of our full time employees are from Delta State.
“The company sustains thousands of direct and indirect jobs, creates local contracting opportunities (including ring-fencing contracts for community Vendors), and supports the local economy through significant tax and royalty contributions. Our commitment to local content is firm and we have recorded about N500bn in contract value to local vendors over the past 10 years,” he noted.
The Seplat Energy CEO said in Delta State, the company has 78 communities; 11 oil and gas producing, 21 pipeline communities while others are access road and nearby communities.
On the company’s educational intervention programmes, he said three Steam labs have already been commissioned with two more to be unveiled this year; ₦350 million in scholarships in last decade, annual PEARLS Quiz competitions already impacting more than 10,000 schools and 50,000 students in Delta State and beyond.
He explained: “Skills acquisition programmes provide vocational training to Delta youths in fields such as ICT, welding, auto mechanic and entrepreneurship, helping to foster self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. Key infrastructure projects include road construction, water supply, healthcare facilities, and community social touch points like town hall, community centre are as part of our broader effort to uplift local standards of living.
“Support for security initiatives, including the provision of vehicles to law enforcement in Delta State, underscores our commitment to safe and stable communities. We have pioneered emissions reduction efforts and remain aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on community health, education, clean water and economic growth.”
Seplat Energy, he noted, looks forward to continued and deeper collaboration with the Delta State Government on: Expanding energy infrastructure and reliable gas supply; enhancing educational partnerships and local capacity development; calling up community development and CSI programs in alignment with state development plans; and further investments in clean, affordable, and reliable energy and in advancing the state’s economic diversification agenda.
In another development, in its commitment to a just energy transition, Seplat Energy reinforced its commitment to responsible leadership and sector transformation through active participation in the 13th Annual BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in Lagos.
With the theme: “Nigeria: From Reform to Recovery,” the 2025 edition of the CEO Forum brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders and experts to discuss Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, and share strategic insights for national renewal and sustainable economic growth.
Brown, who was represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Samson Ezugworie, was a panelist at one of the high-level sessions with the sub-theme: “Oil and Gas in Transition – Reforms, Recovery and Deals That Matter”.
He shared perspectives on Nigeria’s oil and gas transformation, the increasing role of indigenous companies, and how Seplat has been leveraging technology to enhance operations and build in-country capacity.
“If you look at the trajectory, I would personally say that the outlook is very excellent, and we are well-positioned for a transformative oil and gas industry. Nigeria is rich in both oil and gas resources-with over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas-we are in the right place.
“We are also seeing international oil companies exiting the onshore and shallow water areas and transferring them to indigenous players. We have demonstrated both the capacity and financial strength to take on these assets and run with them. It’s like the stars are aligning-the outlook is even better than what we had before,” he stated.
He also pointed out the rise in rig activity as a strong indicator of sector’s growth, adding, “Rig count in Nigeria was 8 in 2021. Today, it stands at about 46. That tells you a lot about the level of activity, investor interest, and capital flowing back into the country. It is a strong signal of recovery and momentum in the sector.”
Earlier, Frank Aigbogun, Publisher and CEO of BusinessDay, who welcomed guests with a compelling address that framed the tone of the forum, noted that the theme of this year’s CEO Forum -“Nigeria: From Reform to Recovery,” remains apt as BusinessDay has a duty not only to report, but also to point the way to the future.
The forum featured speakers including Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group; Haresh Aswani of Tolaram Group; Kofo Akinkugbe of SecureID; Ainojie Irune, MD of Oando Energy Resources; Tony Attah, MD/CEO at Renaissance Africa Energy Company; Gbite Falade, MD/CEO at Aradel Holdings Plc and others, who were represented.
Seplat Energy’s participation at the event reflects its dedication to shaping Nigeria’s energy future through responsible leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth. As the country navigates the path from reform to recovery, Seplat remains firmly committed to delivering sustainable value to stakeholders, communities and the broader economy.
