By Meryl White
Impunity Watch Reporter, Western and Central Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria – The government of Nigeria has ordered oil firms and gas companies that left Niger Delta during the militant attacks to return to Niger Delta to restart operations. Godsday Orubebe, the Minister for Special Operations, has approved the return of oil firms, claiming that the area is now safe.

Nevertheless, oil executives are skeptical about returning to the area. Moreover, many companies are perturbed that the Nigerian government is forcing them to return. The announcement that the area is safe comes a week after militants captured a wife of a top politician and blew up a major pipeline.

During a meeting in Lagos with representatives of about 140 oil companies, Mr Orubebe stated that “Some have done a complete relocation of their operational offices and activities out of the Niger Delta. But we wish to state that there has been a great improvement in security in Port Harcourt in particular and within the Niger Delta in general.”

He also stated that “it is now time for these companies to return back and keep the productive wheel of the region busy again.” He promised that if the companies defied the orders, the Nigerian government will cease to use their operations.

Due to violence and kidnappings of foreigners in the Niger Delta, the oil production in the region has dropped substantially in the past four years. In response, many oil firms have moved from Port Harcourt to Lagos, the commercial capital.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Oil Firms Ordered to Niger Delta – 8 February 2008

All Africa – Nigeria: Return to N’delta Or Quit, FG Orders Oil Firms  – 8 February 2008

Reuters- Nigerian oil delta rebels announce return to talks  – 8 February 2008