one-day sensitization program on the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) with the theme “Understanding the Benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act organised by SEPLAT was held today at the palace of the orodje of okpe kingdom with the theme ‘Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development”.
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue 1, urged Seplat officials to do more in implementing jobs and called for transparency in all Seplat activities.
Speaking at the event, Peter Igho, a resource person, stated that the essence of the PIA is to direct socio-economic benefits from petroleum operations to host communities and enhance peaceful and harmonious coexistence between SEPLAT and its host communities.
He highlighted key provisions of the PIA, including the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust, which requires trustees to be individuals of credible character, working in synergy with operators to avoid pitfalls.
Dr. Chidiebere Igbokwe, who also spoke for SEPLAT, stated that the PIA has accommodated so many stakeholders’ interests and made provisions compelling operators in the oil and gas industry to comply by meeting with the provisions of the act or face penalties.
Some community leaders who spoke during the sensitization frowned at how indigenes are sidelined and marginalized during recruitment of staff by SEPLAT, they called on officials of SEPLAT to include indigenes of the host community in their recruitment plan.
Responding to the issues raised, the leader of the Seplat Energy team, Base Manager Kingsley Udebor, noted that despite the PIA being signed in 2022, it was not implemented that same year. He appealed to community leaders for patience, stating that the challenges currently experienced by host communities in the Petroleum Industry Act would be rectified soon
Mr. Udebor also appealed to host community members who had undergone skill acquisition programs and were yet to receive their starter packs to be patient, assuring them that their starter packs would be delivered soon
He commended the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orue 1 for his role in ensuring peace in all parts of Okpe Kingdom.
Participants were drawn from different host communities in Okpe kingdom including Ugborhen, Ugbukurusu, Sapele, and Amukpe.
