Port Harcourt — Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has canvassed for the relocation of the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)and other oil companies in the country to the Niger Delta region.

He said it was necessary since the region is where the business takesplace and questioned on the rationale behind citing offices of oil-related businesses away from the region where the business takesplace.

He stated this when the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr.Ibrahim Bakindo, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in PortHarcourt. He observed that while applying other measures inachieving peace and stability in the region, there was need to insistthat oil companies stay in their operational areas.

Amaechi reasoned that it will help buoy up economic activities that will impact positively on the people as well as help create employment for the reformed militants who need to be engaged.

He further condemned any policy decision that supports moving the oil economy out of the Niger Delta, pointing out that redressing the injustices of the past would not be possible without correcting such neglect.

Barkindo in this speech commended Amaechi for the role he played in ensuring that militancy was stamped out of the region which accounts for the peace that is being enjoyed in the region.

He said activities in the oil sector was picking up with improved production of oil and gas, adding that all hands should be on deck to ensure that peace lasts.