The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has unveiled plans to partner with Seplat Energy Plc to construct a new fire station in Finima Community as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and protect lives and property on Bonny Island.
Pepple disclosed the proposal while receiving a delegation from Seplat Energy, led by the company’s General Manager, Government Relations, Hadiza Garbati, during a courtesy visit to his residence on Monday.
The council chairman said the local government is prepared to forgo its 2027 statutory tenement rate payable by Seplat Energy and channel the funds toward the proposed project, which is estimated to cost more than ₦350 million.
According to him, the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to investing public resources in projects that will have a direct and lasting impact on residents.
Pepple noted that Bonny has remained peaceful due to a strong security architecture, adding that the peaceful environment continues to attract investors to the area.
“The Bonny Local Government Council, under my watch, believes that the 2027 tenement revenue payable by Seplat Energy should be deployed to a developmental project that will have a direct impact on our people. We have identified the construction of a Fire Station in Finima Community as one of such critical interventions,” he said.
The chairman explained that although the recently commissioned Bonny Fire Station has improved emergency response across the island, the increasing industrial activities in the Finima axis make the establishment of another fire station necessary.
He said the proposed facility would ensure quicker response to fire outbreaks, reduce losses, and provide better protection for residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure in the area.
Responding, Seplat Energy’s General Manager, Government Relations, Hadiza Garbati, commended the chairman’s leadership and commitment to community development, assuring him that the company’s management would consider the request.
“As a company, we look forward to supporting and working with your administration. I will convey your requests to the management and leadership of Seplat Energy for their consideration,” Garbati said.
