Companies tasked on host communities development

Companies tasked on host communities development

Multinational companies operating in Nigeria have been urged to make the development of their host communities a cardinal programme to ensure a harmonious working relationship.

The President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark, gave the advice in a meeting with officials of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) led by its Vice-President in Africa, Mr Ian Craig.

Antidote to friction

Mark said the antidote to the friction between multinational companies and their host communities was even development. 

“If you operate or work in harmony with your host communities taking their
interest and welfare into consideration, I am sure that you would have no problem,” he said.

He stressed the need for mutual cooperation to create an atmosphere of peace that would facilitate economic development in the interest of both parties. 

The National Assembly, he added, had a policy to make laws that would not only enhance good governance, peace and order, but also improve on the well being of the ordinary Nigerian. 

He, therefore, implored multi-national corporations operating in Nigeria to cooperate with the government in the development of the entire country. 

Earlier, Craig said he was in Nigeria to further cement the relationship between Nigeria and SPDC, promising that the company will continue to comply with the laws of the land in its operations. 

NAN/Williams