Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has taken a significant step towards resolving the lingering issues between Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited (SPFL) and the host communities.
The governor inaugurated a tripartite committee comprising government officials, representatives of the oil firm, and members of the host communities.
The committee’s primary objective is to facilitate the resolution of disputes between SPFL and the host communities, which have been strained over the years. The communities have accused the company of reneging on a 2022 agreement by encroaching on additional land not covered in the initial agreement.
The host communities of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited is located in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, specifically in the Lagos Fishing Settlement. The community has been involved in negotiations with the Akwa Ibom State Government and the company regarding compensation for affected property owners
The crisis between the host communities and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited revolves around issues of compensation, relocation, and the impact of the company’s operations on the communities. The communities has expressed concerns about the company’s encroachment on their land and the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
Furthermore, the communities claim that the company’s activities have caused blockage of their waterways and channels, resulting in hardship.
Committee Membership and Objectives
The committee members representing the government include:
– _Nse Essien_
_Udo Kierian Akpan
_Ubong Udo Uquang
_Abraham Odion
_Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning
_Commissioner for Internal Security
_Commissioner of Police
_Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning
From the community side, the members are:
– _Samuel Nteogwuijah
_Selinah Ukpatu
_Prof Gamaliel Harry
_Chief Humphrey Oyet
_Sam Ukoima
Representing SPFL are:
– _Mr Amit Gosh
_Mr Davinder Mor
_Mr Jude Bassey
The committee is expected to submit its report within three months. Governor Eno charged the members to establish the actual land size occupied by the company, work with it to get a place for the displaced communities (Ikonta and Obianga), and liaise with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation.
Governor Eno acknowledged receipt of a letter from SPFL, committing to training 50 youths in various disciplines. While emphasizing the importance of the project to the socio-economic advancement of the state, Eno stressed the need to strike a balance between the investor’s comfort and the survival chances of the people in the host community.