Multinationals can do more

INVESTING in Namibia should involve locals so that they can benefit from developments done by huge multinational corporations conducting business across the developing world.

This was a view expressed by Prime Minister Nahas Angula when he met with representatives of the Total Group, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. Angula stressed that there was a need for foreign companies to incorporate locals in their dealings and place them in meaningful positions like heads of companies in their respective countries, as long as they were skilfully equipped for the positions.He was speaking at a meeting with seven representatives of Total at his offices in Windhoek yesterday.The Premier highlighted the current situation in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria, and said that such violence should never be tolerated and that multinationals also had their part to play in ensuring that problems do not reach such disastrous heights.Tensions have reached an all-time high with threats of supply cuts on traders’ minds after this week’s fresh wave of attacks in the world’s eighth-biggest oil exporter, which saw an armed gang attack the Nigerian offices of Italian oil firm Agip, killing nine people.It is reported that some 220 000 barrels of crude per day have already been shut in following unrest in the oil-rich Niger delta, which began earlier this month.Reports from international press are that militants are said to be demanding the release of two people from the region facing treason and corruption charges.They allege the two ethnic Ijaw leaders were facing persecution from the government for advocating more local control of oil resources, a cause they have now vowed to pursue by armed struggle.Angula was also concerned about the rising international oil prices, which have been hinted could reach US$100 per barrel.Prices are now hovering around US$70 per barrel on the back of the tensions in Nigeria and concerns over Iran’s planned nuclear programme.In responding to the PM’s queries, Total Senior Vice President of Total Group Overseas Refining and Marketing, Alain Champeaux – who headed the delegation of the Total representatives – said his company always strived to incorporate locals in their operations saying that in Namibia, besides the MD, Total Namibia was run by locals.He gave a positive outlook saying oil prices would not go as high as US$100 “unless there’s a really big crisis”, adding that prices should stabilise between US$50 and US$60.He said stock of crude oil was there at ‘reasonable levels’ although demand for energy was now much higher due to rapid growth rates in Asia.Champeaux said southern Africa was an important part of Total investments and the company would keep investing in Africa.Recently, Total took over 14 subsidiaries of Mobil across the continent.Champeaux said Total was also involved in exploration projects in Angola and Nigeria.”We will continue to invest and take opportunity of growth,” he said.Total Namibia Managing Director Mntuwabantu Nduvane said the company was looking at spreading its wings into the rural areas, and that locals were being trained to develop human resources and incorporating the company’s BEE policy.Total Namibia has 29 service stations across the country, four depots and a terminal at Walvis Bay.Angula stressed that there was a need for foreign companies to incorporate locals in their dealings and place them in meaningful positions like heads of companies in their respective countries, as long as they were skilfully equipped for the positions.He was speaking at a meeting with seven representatives of Total at his offices in Windhoek yesterday.The Premier highlighted the current situation in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria, and said that such violence should never be tolerated and that multinationals also had their part to play in ensuring that problems do not reach such disastrous heights.Tensions have reached an all-time high with threats of supply cuts on traders’ minds after this week’s fresh wave of attacks in the world’s eighth-biggest oil exporter, which saw an armed gang attack the Nigerian offices of Italian oil firm Agip, killing nine people.It is reported that some 220 000 barrels of crude per day have already been shut in following unrest in the oil-rich Niger delta, which began earlier this month.Reports from international press are that militants are said to be demanding the release of two people from the region facing treason and corruption charges.They allege the two ethnic Ijaw leaders were facing persecution from the government for advocating more local control of oil resources, a cause they have now vowed to pursue by armed struggle.Angula was also concerned about the rising international oil prices, which have been hinted could reach US$100 per barrel.Prices are now hovering around US$70 per barrel on the back of the tensions in Nigeria and concerns over Iran’s planned nuclear programme.In responding to the PM’s queries, Total Senior Vice President of Total Group Overseas Refining and Marketing, Alain Champeaux – who headed the delegation of the Total representatives – said his company always strived to incorporate locals in their operations saying that in Namibia, besides the MD, Total Namibia was run by locals.He gave a positive outlook saying oil prices would not go as high as US$100 “unless there’s a really big crisis”, adding that prices should stabilise between US$50 and US$60.He said stock of crude oil was there at ‘reasonable levels’ although demand for energy was now much higher due to rapid growth rates in Asia. Champeaux said southern Africa was an important part of Total investments and the company would keep investing in Africa.Recently, Total took over 14 subsidiaries of Mobil across the continent.Champeaux said Total was also involved in exploration projects in Angola and Nigeria.”We will continue to invest and take opportunity of growth,” he said.Total Namibia Managing Director Mntuwabantu Nduvane said the company was looking at spreading its wings into the rural areas, and that locals were being trained to develop human resources and incorporating the company’s BEE policy.Total Namibia has 29 service stations across the country, four depots and a terminal at Walvis Bay.