A/ Ibom communities blame oil firm for non implementation of NOGICD Act

From Isaac Job, Uyo

Akwa Ibom oil producing communities in Mbo Local Government Area under the aegis of Mbo Patriots have blamed the Oriental Energy Resources for not implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Development (NOGICD) Act established in 2010.

The communities are Enwang, Efiat, Egbuhu, Udesi and Udah, respectively.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Mbo Patriots Elder Edet Okpo in Uyo yesterday, the group lamented that despite numerous calls, resolutions and warnings, the oil firm had deliberately ignored its obligations under the Act and prioritised profits over the well-being and interests of the people of MBO Local Government Area.

The statement reads in parts : “The NOGICD Act 2010 is a critical legislation aimed at promoting local content in the oil and gas industry, mandating companies like OERL to prioritise 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 communities stated that the actions of Oriental Energy demonstrate a clear and outright disregard for the law, the people of MBO and their interests.

They further explained that the oil company’s refusal to implement the NOGICD Act 2010 was a brazen and unacceptable display of corporate arrogance, impunity and disdain for the law and the people.

They  expressed shock over the company’s disobedience to the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the firm’s unholy behaviour undermines the trust between the company and the people which could lead to the break down of law and may definitely affect their operations.

The communities, therefore, demanded the company to implement the NOGICD Act to the latter to further deepen the relationship with the host community.

“The Oriental’s refusal to implement the NOGICD Act 2010 is a clear indication of the company’s disdain for the people of MBO and their interests, but we will insist that the firm should do the needful within the ambit of the law.”