Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and all concerned agencies to return the Atala Oil Marginal Field OML 46, to the state which licence was revoked by the Federal Government in April 2020.
Making known the state’s stance on the matter at this week’s Executive Council Meeting, Governor Diri said the marginal oil field remained a prized asset of the state and wants the Federal Government to reconsider its decision.
Presiding over the 42nd Executive Council Meeting of his administration, Governor Diri expressed displeasure over the Federal Government’s revocation of the Atala Oil Field which was originally a Bayelsa State Government oil asset.
The Governor assured his administration’s readiness to partner with relevant agencies to maintain the property and ensure it functions at full capacity.
Bayelsa State in the past months is said to be experiencing dwindling monthly allocations from the Federal Government which has taken a toll on the state’s economy, but the Governor believes that when the Atala Oil Field is returned, there will be a turnaround.