Inside Delta
Delta communities demand recognition as host communities by oil company
Written By: Elo Edremoda
29 Nov 2024 11:39 AM
WARRI, Delta – Indigenes of Abigborodo and Obotie communities in Delta State’s Warri North and Sapele Local Government Areas have staged a peaceful protest, demanding recognition as host communities to Seplat Energy PLC.
The protesters, who converged on Thursday at a site reportedly being cleared by the company for operations, urged the federal and state governments to intervene immediately.
The group, comprising men, women, and youths, insisted on recognition in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates oil companies operating within a five-kilometre radius of any community to identify and benefit such communities as hosts.
Speaking at the protest, Hon. Misan Ukubehinje, Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, criticized Seplat Energy for allegedly disregarding the rights of the communities and failing to comply with the provisions of the PIA.
“This protest is a way for us to express our grievances. We have repeatedly complained to Seplat Energy PLC. Abigborodo is a host community, and the ownership of this land has belonged to our people for generations.
“Seplat is operating here without considering us or the people of Obotie. They have moved their operations dangerously close to our land—about two kilometres from here—and now they want to commence drilling activities, including clearing and dredging. Such actions will destroy our waterways and aquatic life, which our communities depend on for survival,” the community leader posited.
He further accused Seplat of ignoring the investigative findings of a team comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oil and Gas, and other government agencies, stating: “The team visited our community and observed the situation firsthand, but since then, we have heard nothing. Meanwhile, Seplat has gone ahead to mobilize their equipment to the site, infringing on our rights”.
He reiterated the communities’ position that they would not back down until they are formally recognized as host communities, as stipulated by the PIA.
The protesters, who converged on Thursday at a site reportedly being cleared by the company for operations, urged the federal and state governments to intervene immediately.
The group, comprising men, women, and youths, insisted on recognition in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates oil companies operating within a five-kilometre radius of any community to identify and benefit such communities as hosts.
Speaking at the protest, Hon. Misan Ukubehinje, Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, criticized Seplat Energy for allegedly disregarding the rights of the communities and failing to comply with the provisions of the PIA.
“This protest is a way for us to express our grievances. We have repeatedly complained to Seplat Energy PLC. Abigborodo is a host community, and the ownership of this land has belonged to our people for generations.
“Seplat is operating here without considering us or the people of Obotie. They have moved their operations dangerously close to our land—about two kilometres from here—and now they want to commence drilling activities, including clearing and dredging. Such actions will destroy our waterways and aquatic life, which our communities depend on for survival,” the community leader posited.
He further accused Seplat of ignoring the investigative findings of a team comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oil and Gas, and other government agencies, stating: “The team visited our community and observed the situation firsthand, but since then, we have heard nothing. Meanwhile, Seplat has gone ahead to mobilize their equipment to the site, infringing on our rights”.
He reiterated the communities’ position that they would not back down until they are formally recognized as host communities, as stipulated by the PIA.
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