The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has issued a 90-day ultimatum to the international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to relocate their headquarters to the region as directed by the Federal Government.

IYC President, Mr Pereotubo Oweilaemi told a press conference on Wednesday in Yenagoa that the relocation became necessary for sustainable development in the oil rich region.

On February 13, 2017, the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo had directed the companies to relocate to the region where they produce the oil.

“We want to state it categorically that irrespective of some security challenges, this region is the safest in the country for business. There is nowhere in the country that there are no pockets of criminal activities. But unlike the forgone past, our states are safe and very conducive for business.

“We, therefore once again call on the companies to as matter of urgency return to our area in the interest of all stakeholders.

“We cannot continue to pay the price of having our land suffer from oil exploration activities, while other states benefits from the taxes that are due to us,” he said.

Oweilaemi noted that if the oil companies could relocate their headquarters to the region, jobs would be available for the teeming youth which would also lead to crime reduction.

He recalled that the ultimatum started on July 12 and would soon elapse. "So, we want immediate compliance with the Federal Government directive,” the Oweilaemi stated.

The IYC President also decried the slow pace of infrastructural development in the region and urged the Federal Government to fulfill promises made to the people.

“There is need to complete the East-West road, Trans-Atlantic Road and rail-line, Bonny LNG train 7, Brass LNG project, Agge deep sea port, export processing zone at Ogidigbien, Deep sea port at Gbaramatu, among others," he demanded.

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