By Simeon Osajie
The Odionwere, traditional chiefs and members of Orior Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have unanimously endorsed the proposed routing of the Ying Zhi Energy gas pipeline through their community following a public hearing organised by the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS).
The public hearing, held on Friday, May 29, 2026, was convened to address issues relating to compensation, corporate social responsibility and community participation in the project. It brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), officials of Ying Zhi Energy Limited, community leaders and traditional rulers.
Simeon Osagie reports that the session was presided over by the Managing Director of EdoGIS, Dr. Innocent Bello, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and promote transparency and inclusiveness in the implementation of the project.
The proposed gas pipeline spans approximately 2.85 kilometres, extending from the Orior 7 Unit through Orior Community along the Lagos-Benin Expressway and terminating at the Yinghua Energy Park in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bello described the project as a strategic development initiative aimed at enhancing domestic gas utilisation and creating a gas-powered industrial corridor in Edo State.
According to him, the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigerian Domestic Gas Utilisation Plan and the Decade of Gas initiative, and is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Edo State and the country at large.
He also highlighted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to people-centred development and his administration’s efforts to promote a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Representatives of Ying Zhi Energy Limited informed participants that extensive consultations had been carried out with members of the host community before the public hearing. They disclosed that farmers and landowners affected by the pipeline’s right-of-way had been compensated, while local residents had been engaged in non-technical roles, including infrastructure support and security services.
The company further revealed plans to provide skills acquisition programmes and create opportunities for qualified community members to participate in technical aspects of the project.
Earlier, the EdoGIS desk officer who coordinated the hearing explained that the exercise was designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to express support, concerns or objections regarding the pipeline route.
He stressed that the agency remained committed to transparency and due process, noting that the public hearing was necessary to identify and address any potential issues before project implementation.
Community representatives, including traditional chiefs, commended Governor Okpebholo for ensuring that due diligence was followed in a manner that protects the interests of both investors and host communities.
They also praised EdoGIS and its Managing Director, Dr. Bello, for what they described as a professional and transparent approach to the project from inception.
At the end of the hearing, community leaders unanimously affirmed their support for the proposed pipeline route, expressing satisfaction with the company’s engagement efforts and compensation process.
They assured both the government and the investor of their cooperation and pledged continued support for future development initiatives in the state.
