By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: In a resolute display of solidarity, leaders of the Ndokwa community have condemned the persistent neglect and marginalization by oil and gas corporations operating in their area, while at same time calling on elected members in both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly to utilize their positions to bring the dividends of governance to the region.
This condemnation emerged from a meeting organized by the Ndokwa Community for Growth and Development (NC4GD) to address developmental challenges and chart a path forward.
Key concerns highlighted during the meeting included the lack of inclusion in significant projects and the failure of companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities. The leaders expressed dismay over the commissioning of major infrastructural developments without local involvement, citing it as a stark illustration of the continued marginalization endured by the Ndokwa people.
Concerns were also raised regarding the unequal implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in certain communities, prompting a call for similar solidarity action among neighbouring communities. Emphasis was placed on the imperative of appointing competent representatives to advocate for community interests.
They stressed the necessity of proactive and strategic engagement with oil companies, underlining the importance of recognizing and supporting initiatives like NC4GD, which endeavours to spearhead the development of the Ndokwa community.
The leaders identified Several actionable points to address the community’s grievances. These include the establishment of committees to raise awareness about the benefits of the PIA among the host community, devising a comprehensive blueprint for addressing community development needs, and forming a media team to interact with both local and international media platforms.
Additionally, plans were set in motion to assemble a legal team to provide periodic counsel on relevant legislation and strategies, while a labour and employment committee will facilitate job opportunities in compliance with local content laws. The leaders also committed to engaging with statutory oil and gas agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
In the Ndokwa area of the state, there are Oil and Gas companies operating in all the communities. Some of the companies are Agip Oil, that operates the largest Gas Company in Sub Saharian Africa, Mid-Western Petroleum Company, Platforms Oil Production, and numerous others. Each of these companies had been accused of neglecting their host communities in one way and the other.
The unanimous condemnation of oil companies’ disregard for Ndokwa community interests underscores a growing sense of dissatisfaction among host communities in the Niger Delta region. As they press forward with their collective action plans, the community plans to effect meaningful change and ensure their voices resonate in the ongoing discourse surrounding oil and gas operations in the area.
On the elected representatives from at the National Assembly and State House of Assembly to remain open to the people and work assiduously to attract development to the area. It denounced the actions of some of the representatives who had refused to act in the interests of their constituents.
The meeting was Convened by Mr, Ossai Udom, and moderated by Eunice Pen-Ogbolu and Engr. Ike Onyenokwe.
