By Williams Odunze
A group from Imo State Niger Delta region , under the auspices of Niger Delta Wagner Volunteer Force (NDWVF) representing Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of the State , has respectively submitted a petition to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, National Assembly, and other relevant authorities lamenting about neglect meeted to the people of the oil reached communities by various oil companies operating in the area mostly, Agip oil company which the group accused of failing to carry out Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it reached with the host communities.
In the petition , signed by its Publicity Secretary, Boris Ozoemena,the group accused Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), formerly Agip Oil Company, of neglecting its corporate social responsibilities and breaching a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the communities.
The group also hinted that , NAOC has operated in the area for decades, generating immense profits from crude oil extraction without rendering any help to the impoverished people of the region.
The petition read, “Despite the wealth generated, the communities remain impoverished, lacking basic amenities like roads, healthcare facilities, education, and employment opportunities.
“The MoU reached with the company, outlined specific obligations, including,
Provision of Infrastructure Development, Employment Opportunities for Indigenes,
*Scholarship Programmes for Students,*
Healthcare and Education Support”
They lamented that it was very disheartening that the company chossed to ignore the MoU and only concentrated in milking away the natural resources belonging to the people without heeding to their plights.
The group demanded for
immediate implementation of the MoU reached with the oil company by fulfilling its obligations to the communities to avoid social unrest in the oil reached communities.
They also demanded that the company should provide compensation for years of neglect and non-implementation of the MOU or
face regulatory actions from relevant authorities for breach of contract and neglect of corporate social responsibilities.
NDWVF, used the medium to urge the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure NAOC takes responsibility for its actions and commits itself on the development of the area under which it operates.
