The Eastern zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has accused Seplat Energy Plc of violating key federal legislations, including the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, the Public Procurement Act and Presidential Executive Order 5.
This was as called on the oil company to restore the name “Ibeno” on the signage of the Qua Iboe terminal located in Akwa Ibom state.
The chairman of the IYC eastern zone, Datolu Sukubo, in a statement he signed last weekend, claimed that Seplat Energy has failed to fulfil its legal, social and ethical obligations to the host community since acquiring the asset.
The council expressed worries that despite hosting one of Nigeria’s major crude oil export facilities, the people of Ibeno continue to suffer systemic neglect, particularly in employment opportunities, economic empowerment and human capital development.
The youth group added that the situation has further worsened economic hardship in the area.
The council said section 66 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act mandates operators to effectively communicate local content policies to contractors and ensure compliance.
The Eastern IYC alleged that available evidence shows Seplat Energy has failed to uphold the statutory responsibility.
It categorically pointed out that since ExxonMobil divested the Qua Iboe crude oil export terminal and other oil assets in the community to Seplat Energy, the new operator has “taken actions that undermine the identity and rights of the host community”.
The group said the removal of the community’s name from the terminal signage is a “deliberate move by Seplat to completely erase the identity, honour and laudable contributions of the community to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and national development”.
“It is also tantamount to stripping the host community of its recognition on the map of global energy. The action is unacceptable, provocative, and must be immediately reversed,” the statement added.
The council said the people of Ibeno have an inalienable right to be recognised as the host community of the Qua Iboe terminal located in the area.
The group added that any attempt to deny the community that recognition is a direct affront to its dignity, heritage and contribution to national development.
The group also condemned the “unlawful” arrest and detention of the IYC chairman of Ibeno clan and three other youth leaders during a peaceful protest against Seplat Energy.
Responding to the Eastern zone of IYC claims, Seplat Energy’s director of external affairs and social performance, Chioma Afe, said the company remains committed to responsible corporate citizenship.
“We reaffirm our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, consistently upholding the highest standards in our operations across Nigeria.
“We remain focused on sustainable energy production, environmental responsibility, and long-term community development.
“Our approach has always been to work collaboratively with our host communities, guided by transparency, respect, and a commitment to mutual progress,” she said in a statement.
