Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok in a meeting with Tullow at his county Headquarters office in Lodwar.[Photo/Hesboun Etyang]Tullow oil has moved to assure the security of oil exploration sites in Turkana after shocking reports of an alleged developing black market of crude oil in Lokichar.In a meeting with Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok today at the County Headquarters, Tullow Country Manager Martin Mbogo said that all Tullow installations where crude oil mined was stored was secure and expressed confidence that substance at the center of the alleged black market did not originate from any of the company’s sites.“We have followed up on these reports and even sought to find and analyse samples of the material but have found none, but what we are sure of is that the substance did not come from any Tullow site where crude oil is produced. We are cooperating with the police and have also ensured that all our sites are under tight security,” Mr Mbogo said.He informed the Governor that the social investment projects by the company that include health centres in Lokichar and Kasuroi will now be handed over to the County Government to benefit residents after conclusion of court cases that had stalled the handing over.Governor Nanok said that there was need for better engagement among the parties including the National and County Government, Tullow and the community with the next phase of oil production expected to commence. He raised concern of uncertainty rising from standoff between the Natioanl and County Government over the share of oil revenue.“The public and the County feels ignored on issues raised over oil exploration and there is the feeling that we have no control of the process after production. This standoff affected the early oil project. The four parties in this process need better consultation,” he said.The Governor announced plans to push for legislation on land ownership and documentation that will guide in compensation, a matter he said was as contentious as the impasse over oil revenue sharing formula.

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