Anambra State House of Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) for its failure to employ even a single indigene of Anambra State in its multi-million-dollar oil exploration activities running in the state.
Angel Network News (ANN) recall that
SEEPCO where asked by the 8th Assembly to submit documents including “The list of ndi Anambra showing the statutory staff and casual staff working in the company”
General Manager Community Relation and Security SEEPCO, Mr. Austin Brown who appeared alongside his Deputy Mr. Lious Jideofor, failed to provide the list amongst others.
Anambra Assembly Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye who presided plenary expressed displeasure over the company’s disregard for the people, stating that it is unacceptable for a business operating within the state’s borders to neglect the welfare and employment needs of Anambra’s citizens.
ANN reports that the concern was raised during an interrogation by the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led by the Chairman, Honourable Chidiebele Ibemeka, who criticized the company’s disregard for local workforce.
Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye asked SEEPCO
to provide the following documents on or before Tuesday October 1st 2024.
“Withholding task on contract and supply.
Evidence of payment of oil and gas pipeline, right of way.
” Physical and urban planning, registration of plan and survey. Evidence of development lavy payment.
” Evidence of Suwag fees. Security and
Sanitation lavy.
” Business Premises and Land use charge.
This is in addition to the documents yet to be provided.
Hon. Ibemeka while speaking, emphasized that despite SEEPCO’s operations in Anambra since 2006, and active exploration in the Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Council Area beginning in 2018, the company has not provided any meaningful employment opportunities to Anambra indigenes.
According to the lawmaker, when asked to present documentation detailing the local hiring efforts, SEEPCO failed to include any names from the state.
Apart from the employment issue, Ibemeka highlighted environmental concerns, including frequent oil spills and gas flaring caused by the company’s operations, stating that their operations have had detrimental effects on the livelihood and health of the communities.
He noted that as representatives of the people, it is the duty of the lawmakers to safeguard the interests of Ndi Anambra and will not rest until all entitlements due to ndi Anambra are properly allocated and delivered.
Hon. Ibemeka pledged that the house will continue to intensify efforts to hold SEEPCO accountable and to ensure that the company fulfills its corporate social responsibility with regards to Petroleum Industry Act, to the host communities, particularly in employment and environmental protections.
