South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, has given oil companies until next April to either implement the exploration contracts or leave the oil sector in the country.

 The oil companies include Total and Tullow. The two firms were awarded two blocks, Block B1 and Block B2.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with some of the oil companies in Juba on Tuesday, Lol said contracts for oil companies that fail to implement South Sudan’s policies will be terminated.

“You cannot hold my block for 30 years and think that I will be celebrating and dancing with you. This is my resource and it is my country and it is my oil. You must do it my way and if you don’t do it my way, get out,” said Lol.

In 2011, South Sudan’s government said it was reviewing contracts on oil exploration signed previously between oil firms and the Sudanese government.

Photo: South Sudan Minister of Petroleum Ezekiel Lol shakes hand with Prince Arthur Eze, Founder and Chairman of Oranto Petroleum after the signing ceremony in Juba on Monday, March 6, 2017/Radio Tamazuj