The Anambra State House of Assembly has voiced its dissatisfaction with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) over its failure to employ any Anambra State indigenes despite its significant oil exploration operations within the state.
This concern was brought to light during a session led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Honourable Chidiebele Ibemeka. He criticized SEEPCO for neglecting the local workforce since it began operations in Anambra in 2006, particularly in the Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Council Area, where active exploration has been ongoing since 2018.
Honourable Ibemeka pointed out that when the company was asked to present documentation of its local hiring efforts, it failed to list a single Anambra indigene. He also raised environmental concerns, including frequent oil spills and gas flaring, which have negatively impacted the livelihoods and health of the affected communities.
The lawmaker condemned SEEPCO’s neglect of the state’s citizens and emphasized that the Assembly has a responsibility to protect the interests of Ndi Anambra. He assured that the House will intensify efforts to hold the company accountable for its corporate social responsibilities, particularly in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) regarding employment and environmental protections.
In addition to employment grievances, the Assembly demanded that SEEPCO provide evidence of compliance with Section 235(3) of the PIA, which requires the establishment of a Host Communities’ Development Trust, along with proof that three percent of its annual budget has been allocated to host communities for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
SEEPCO, represented by its General Manager of Community Relations and Security, Mr. Austin Atuonah, presented some documents during the session. However, the company failed to provide a list of Ndi Anambra employed, full proof of tax payments to the state, or a detailed plan for natural gas flare elimination and monetization.
The Assembly vowed to continue pressing SEEPCO to fulfill its obligations to the people of Anambra State.
