The people of Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state have expressed dismay over the alleged refusals by Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010 for oil bearing communities in the area.
Mbo people, who spoke through Mbo Patriots, a social-cultural group of the Mbo people, accused the oil firm of flouting the industry act and as well as disregarding the concerns of the oil-bearing communities.
Their displeasure was contained in a statement signed by the group’s National Co-ordinator, Elder Edet Bassey Okpo and made available to newsmen in Uyo.
The group lamented that despite numerous calls, resolutions, and warnings, Oriental Energy has purportedly ignored its obligations under the Act to its host communities.
Okpo alleged further that the oil firm was prioritising profits over the well-being and interests of the people of Mbo Local Government Area, who are the company host.
“The NOGICD Act 2010 is a critical legislation aimed at promoting local content in the oil and gas industry, mandating companies like OERL to prioritize local companies, goods, and services in their operations.
“This legislation is designed to ensure that the oil and gas industry benefits the local community, promotes economic growth and development, and reduces poverty and inequality”, the statement said.
The statement added that “OERL’s actions demonstrate a clear and utter disregard for the law, the people of Mbo, and their interests”.
According to the statement the company’s refusal to implement the NOGICD Act 2010 is a brazen and unacceptable display of corporate arrogance, impunity, and disdain for the law and the people.
“The company’s unholy behaviour undermines the trust between the company and the people and it could lead to the break down if law and order in the host community which will definitely affect the operation of the oil firm”, the statement further added.
The group demanded the company to implement the NOGICD Act to the latter to further deepen the relationship with the host community. The group stated that the oil community will continue to agitate for their lives within the ambit of the law.
“Oriental refusal to implement the NOGICD Act 2010 is a clear indication of the company’s disdain for the people of MBO and their interests”, the statement stated.
Meanwhile, repeated efforts to get the oil firm’s official reaction on the allegations by the communities proved unsuccessful.
Calls placed to Oriental Energy’s Head of External Affairs, Mr. Kazeem Kalaoso, were not picked, while messages sent to his WhatsApp line were not replied as of the time of filing this report.
