A’Ibom youths threaten to shut oil operations over non-compliance with local content

Isaac Job

Akwa Ibom youths have threatened to halt oil company operations in the state over alleged non-compliance with local content guidelines of the Nigerian Content Act.

The youths made the threat shortly after a meeting held in Enwang, the headquarters of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, to brief them of the resolution reached at the meeting with the company.

In a joint statement by the National Youth President of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Edward Abia Moses and his counterpart in Effiat, Etim Edet Bassey issued and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday, the youths averred that the threat became necessary following the non-compliance of Oriental Energy Resources to the resolution reached at a meeting with the Akwa Ibom youth, the Nigerian content and monitoring board and the company recently.

The youths appealed to the company to implement the resolution within two weeks or they will be forced to suspend oil operations in the area.

The resolution reads in parts: “List of contracts the Host Community gave assurance of competency and capacity to handle: Waste Management, Catering/House Keeping, Diesel Supply, Scaffolding/Sand Blasting/Painting, Tank Washing, Vessel Supply and Fabrication Works.

“All OERL contractors must meet and engage with the Host Community for more understanding to establish a strong relationship

“All OERL contractors must provide for Community Liaison OfgicS and other forms of employment from the Host Community in line with the practice in the industry.

“Youths from the Host Community are to be encouraged to register on the NOJIC JQS portal of NCDMB for opportunities on HCDI of OERL.

“Organise annual end-of-year get-together and appreciation for CRC members.”

The youths also demanded training on each project executed by Oriental Energy Resources in their field of operation to ensure skill acquisition as well as the establishment of an operational office in Uyo in line with the provision of the Local Content Act.