By Haris Okon.
The people of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State have expressed outrage over Oriental Energy Resources Limited’s (OERL) alleged refusal to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010.
A letter sighted by Newsshelve signed by the Chairman Akwaibom State CDHR, Comrade Ndifreke Afangide, addressed to the oil company, said the community has been left dismayed by OERL’s blatant disregard for the law.
The letter accused the company of prioritizing profits over the well-being and interests of the people of Mbo Local Government Area.
The NOGICD Act 2010 is a 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.
However, the letter alleged that OERL has deliberately ignored its obligations under the Act.
The CDHR described OERL’s actions as a “brazen and unacceptable display of corporate arrogance, impunity, and disdain for the law and the people.”
The group expressed shock over the company’s refusal to obey the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, warning that such behavior could lead to a breakdown in law and order in the host community.
The CDHR demanded that OERL implement the NOGICD Act 2010 to the letter, in order to deepen its relationship with the host community.
The Civil Rights group vowed to defend the rights of the community within the ambit of the law.
The allegations made by the CDHR has raised concerns about the commitment of oil companies to local content development in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has been pushing for greater local participation in the oil and gas industry, but the alleged refusal of companies like OERL to comply with the law has raised questions about the effectiveness of these efforts.
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