March 11, (THEWILL) — A coalition of ex-militant groups in Akwa Ibom State has called on the Federal Government and industry regulators to investigate the management of funds meant for oil-producing communities and ensure fair employment practices in the oil sector.
The groups also issued a one-month ultimatum to officials of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), alleging marginalisation and mismanagement of funds established under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The demand followed a joint meeting in Uyo attended by several organisations, including the Akwa Ibom Revolutionary Council, Niger Delta Volunteers, Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Republic Fighters and the Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants Forum.
In a statement jointly signed by General Nsa Ikpaisong, General John Duku and other leaders, the coalition alleged that more than ₦60 billion had been disbursed since 2021 through the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust covering oil-bearing communities in the state.
The coalition, however, claimed that the funds had not translated into visible development projects or improved welfare for residents of the affected communities.
“We state unmistakably that the hardship faced by our people, particularly youths, farmers, fishermen and ex-militants, has worsened despite the existence of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the much-publicised Host Community Development Trust Funds”, the statement said.
The groups argued that while the law mandates oil companies to contribute three per cent of their operational expenditure to host community development trusts, its implementation has not met expectations.
They further alleged that some oil companies have used the framework to scale down long-standing corporate social responsibility commitments to host communities.
The coalition warned that failure by the officials of the trusts and operators-in-charge to address the issues raised within one month could lead to further agitation.
“We hereby give the OICs and HCDTs one month to address the issues of marginalisation, fraud, deliberate abandonment and injustice against ex-militants, fishermen, farmers and immediate oil-producing host communities”, the statement added.
Beyond the management of community development funds, the ex-agitators also raised concerns over employment practices in the oil sector.
They accused multinational oil companies operating in Akwa Ibom of engaging many local workers in casual or contract arrangements with low wages, limited benefits and inadequate safety protection.
According to the coalition, many Akwa Ibom indigenes are employed under temporary contracts, while workers from other parts of the country are allegedly offered permanent positions with better remuneration and working conditions.
The groups, therefore, urged the Federal Government, regulators and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that funds meant for host communities are properly managed.
They also called for stronger oversight of employment practices in the oil industry to guarantee fair and equitable opportunities for indigenes of oil-producing areas.
