The Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Chief Precious Okala, has called on Renaissance Africa Energy Nigeria Ltd to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts towards its host communities.
Speaking during a fact-finding tour of communities surrounding the Kolo Creek oil fields, Okala criticised the company for what he described as a recycled approach to community relations, mirroring the tactics of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He noted that despite a change in ownership, Renaissance has continued operating with the same management style and personnel as SPDC.
Okala, who also chairs the Action Committee on the Restoration of Electricity to Host Communities, accused the company of failing to engage meaningfully with residents since it took over the onshore and shallow water assets formerly operated by SPDC in March.
“Renaissance is like old wine in a new bottle. They had meetings with us, but nothing has changed. We’ve yet to see any tangible implementation of the agreements we reached,” he said.
He added that while the communities have shown patience and goodwill toward the new operators, frustration is growing over the company’s unresponsiveness to local concerns.
“Almost every community I know where Renaissance operates is complaining about the poor relationship. We don’t want to jump to conclusions, but the signs are worrying,” Okala warned.
