By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian Senate has urged the federal Ministry of Aviation and Nigeria Airforce to take over and convert the deserted, unculturable waste land of the abandoned Shell Airstrip at Oloibiri oil well 1, Otuogidi, to a modern Air Force Base in Bayelsa State.
Sequel to the motion sponsored by senator Agadaga, Benson Sunday on Thursday in Abuja, also while briefing the press.
The Senator representing Bayalsa East during presentation of the lead debate stressed that since the departure of Shell’s from Oloibiri oil field, the Airstrip and the land where it operated have been abandoned and left desolate.
Senator Benson lamented that the land itself appears to have been sentenced to perpetual condemnation as no agricultural activity which is the economic mainstay of the local dwellers can be carried out anymore due to the concrete topography of the soil.
According to the mover of the motion, Shell Airstrip Constructed in 1958 following the first discovery of crude oil in 1956, sitting on over 25 hectares of land situated at Itokopiri bush hosting the famous Oloibiri Oil well 1 in Otuogidi Community has long been abandoned.
He emphasized that the Airstrip while in effective operation was a very valuable asset in the company’s oil exploration and exploitation activities in airlifting of
personnel and equipment to Oloibiri at that time.
“Observes that during the years of its functionality, heavy duty equipment, Company Workers, Captains of Industry, top Government functionaries and Diplomats resorted to this route for easy access to the Niger Delta region.
“This experience has posed environmental challenges and serious ecological complications to the Host Community as Shell has left the people in deprivation, squalor and lamentation after decades of operation.
“Believes that upgrading the abandoned Airstrip to an Airforce Base will bring renewed hope to the people, restore life to the area and attract the following benefits to the country.
“Strengthen the Security architecture of Nigeria as the Creeks of Bayelsa up to Brass Island and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of Guinea where the Oil Export terminal is located will be easily monitored and protected.
“Reduce the rate of Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism as it will enhance surveillance activities in the numerous oil producing and impacted communities of the area which constitute the hub of oil industry activities in Nigeria.
“Attract more business opportunities in the area thereby creating additional jobs to boost the economic growth of our nation and ease the cost of living of the people.
“Recognizes the fact that for the abandoned Airstrip to be transformed into an Airforce Base of global standard, provision of the underlisted prerequisite amenities and equipment is imperative;
Runway measuring 2,500 meters by 45 meters. (PCN) or Load Classification No (LCN) 100, a control tower with a console, fire station/equipment, a meteorological service system and parking space and office buildings.”
While supporting the motion, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Musa Garba Maidoki said abandoning the shell airstrip will be at a security risk and will bring about illegal mining and other forms of criminality of stealing the Country’s resources.
The Senate further resolved to additional prayer, urge Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and other Oil Companies, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) as well as Niger Delta Development Commission to contribute to the development of Air Force Base in Bayalsa State.
