The residents of Iko Town, located in the Eastern Obollo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have issued a warning to oil firms in their community. They have threatened to shut down the operations of these companies due to their alleged refusal to attend meetings called to address issues affecting the community.
Under the umbrella of the Concerned Citizens of Iko Town Association, community members expressed their disappointment and frustration. They highlighted that the companies in question have consistently declined every attempt made to hold a meeting to resolve ongoing concerns.
It has been discovered that the companies operating within the Oil Mining Lease field, OML13, in partnership with Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) between 1970 and 1996 did so without a clear defined Memorandum of Understanding with the Iko community.
Other companies involved in the oil drilling deal, partnering with Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, include Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd and Natural Oil Field Services Ltd. Meanwhile, NNPCL remains the sole owner and licensed operator of the oil mining field in Iko Town.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, the community, represented by their lawyer, Barrister Jude Effiong, conveyed their fears that this attitude may lead to another crisis. The letter stated, “We put it to you that you have succeeded in destroying our client but God does not say so, amen. Environmental advocates describe the environment as life; it is the basis of sustenance. It is from it that its inhabitants eke out a living. The environment is very central to people’s existence. We make bold to state that your businesses have left our client more impoverished and their environment rendered inhospitable.”
The community further demanded a compensation payment of N250 billion for the “mindless/lawless/criminal desecration of sacred land,” amongst other grievances. They urged NPDC to organize a meeting promptly to prevent an impending crisis.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Monday, Chief Frank Unyongs, the Chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Iko Town Association, criticized NPDC for their divide-and-rule tactics when dealing with the Iko community. He argued that such methods do not contribute to effective resolution of community relations issues. Chief Unyongs also recounted the history of exploitation faced by the community, stating, “Shell blindfolded our forefathers after the civil war. They invaded Iko Town in Eastern Obolo Local Government, Akwa Ibom State. They started onshore oil exploration and drilling without any MOU with our people, as they were illiterate fishermen. But in 2007, there was a 52-day protest by the community, which led to the presentation of a position paper.”
“This protest drew the attention of the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas, which visited the area in 2019,” Chief Unyongs continued. “NPDC is taking us for granted. They should meet with the Concerned Citizens of Iko Town Association and conclude the meeting which they have started, without further delay, and stop playing pranks with the people.”
In response, Dahiru Abubakar, the Manager of Community Relations at the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, stated that the company has been making every effort to maintain a strong relationship with host communities in its operations.
