Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) logo | File Image
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
By Harry Okon
The indigenes of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State, on the platform of Mbo Patriots, have expressed dismay over the alleged refusal of Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010.
The group, in a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Elder Edet Bassey Okpo, in Uyo, the state’s capital, lamented that despite numerous calls, resolutions, and warnings, the company has ignored its obligations under the Act, prioritizing profits over the well-being and interests of the people of Mbo Local Government Area ¹.
The group stated: “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.”
It added that “OERL’s actions demonstrate a clear and utter disregard for the law, the people of Mbo, and their interests”.
The group pointed out that the 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.
The group expressed shock over the company’s refusal to obey the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The company’s unholy behaviour undermines the trust between the company and the people and it could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the host community which will definitely affect the operation of the oil firm,” it warned.
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The group therefore demanded the company to implement the NOGICD Act to the latter to further deepen the relationship with the host community.
The group assured that the oil communuty would 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 group stated.
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