The OML 30 Flow Stations Presidents-General Forum (PGF) has given Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) two weeks to address outstanding issues relating to payments to indigenous contractors, employment opportunities, scholarships and the implementation of Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) projects. The OML 30 is located in Urhobo land in Delta State.
The forum also called for greater consideration of qualified indigenous contractors in the award of projects within OML 30, the review and implementation of its scholarship programme, and employment opportunities for qualified graduates from host communities.
Other concerns raised by the forum include the payment of agreed stipends and appreciation payments to traditional rulers and other stakeholders, as well as the implementation and award of contracts for already-scoped HCDT community projects.
The demands were contained in a letter signed by the Presidents-General of the affected communities, comprising Evwreni PG, Chief Kenneth Ukpebitere; Afiesere PG, Mr Luke Umukoro; PG Owhe, Engr Wilfred Atunu; PG Kokori, Mr George Eghwrude; and PG Effurun-Otor, Chief Godwin Ikolo.
Others are PG Uzere, Chief Onyagbodor E.; Eriemu CDC Chairman, Mr Ibebe Matthew; PG Oleh, Chief Unuafe Believe; PG Olomoro, Chief Anthony Ukpagha; PG Igbide, Ven. Hon. Augustine Aziakpono Ovie, JP; and PG Eruemukohwarien, Mr Anigboro Godwin.
The letter, addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HEOSL, was copied to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Delta State Government, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, security agencies, traditional rulers, OML 30 HCDT, relevant PIA authorities, Manager, Contracts and Procurement, HEOSL, Managing Director, NNPCL, Managing Director, Shoreline Limited, and Uherevie Trust.
The forum said it represented host communities in OML 30 and sought urgent attention to issues it described as affecting the welfare, economic development and relationship between the operating company and its host communities.
The statement said the concerns include delays in payments to traditional rulers and other stakeholders, the review and implementation of scholarship programmes, employment opportunities for qualified indigenous graduates, award of contracts to qualified indigenous contractors, delayed payment of contract sums and the implementation of already-scoped HCDT projects.
The forum particularly called for an urgent review of the scholarship programme, employment opportunities for qualified youths from the host communities and increased participation of qualified indigenous contractors in projects within OML 30.
It said delays in payments to traditional rulers and other stakeholders had generated concerns in the communities, noting that such payments had traditionally supported cordial relations between the operating company and its host communities.
The forum also called for the payment of outstanding contract sums owed to indigenous contractors and adherence to agreed contractual payment timelines, including mobilisation funds for future contracts where applicable.
It said greater participation of qualified contractors from OML 30 host communities would support local employment, capacity development and economic opportunities.
On education and employment, the forum called for the implementation of scholarship programmes which, it said, had not been implemented for the past year, as well as opportunities for qualified graduates from the host communities to join the company’s workforce.
The forum also expressed concern over delays in implementing projects already scoped under the OML 30 HCDT and urged the relevant authorities to proceed with the award of contracts for the projects to qualified contractors.
It said its preferred approach remained dialogue, consultation and partnership with the operating company and other stakeholders.
The forum, however, urged the relevant authorities to address the outstanding issues within the stipulated period in order to strengthen confidence and maintain peaceful relations between the company and its host communities.
It also called for compliance with relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly those relating to benefits accruing to host communities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, saying failure to address the issues could result in protests at OML 30 facilities within its jurisdiction.
It appealed to the company and other stakeholders to act promptly to resolve the concerns and preserve the existing peaceful relationship between the operating company and its host communities.