A group under the Niger Delta Community Youths Association based in Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Edo,Rivers, Cross-River, Delta, Imo, Abia and Ondo States have faulted the recent allocation of oil bloc licenses by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to corporate entities and individuals that are not indigene of the Niger-Delta.
They expressed this in a petition addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio through Blessing Agbomhere Esq, counsel to some Niger Delta investors who are demanding an immediate reversal of the 2022/23 mini bid round and 2024 licensing round for oil blocs in the Niger Delta region.
Youths in the affected community staged protests in Yenagoa, Uyo, Benin, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Owerri, Umuahia, Akure and Abuja,in order to strengthen their demand.
READ ALSO:
Daughters Of Drought: Teen Girls Traded For Grass In Africa’s Climate Crisis
‘Close Shave,’ Ogun Deputy Gov Escapes Violent Assault
‘Close Shave,’ Ogun Deputy Gov Escapes Violent Assault
Lagos First Female Speaker, Eight Things To Know About Mojisola Meranda
EFCC Summons Okoya’s Sons Over ‘Abuse Of Naira’
They called for a fresh licensing bid that would ensure that 40% of Nigeria’s oil bloc is allocated to investors that are indigenous to the Niger-Delta region.
They claimed such practice is stipulated in the extant laws, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the 1999 constitution as amended.
A joint statement signed by the Group’s Youth Leader, Comrade Embale Jonathan; his deputy, Hon. Omeizah Ogumah; PRO, Boma Doreye; and Ex-Officio, Comrade Sunny Ifijen,said it’s unacceptable that their ancestral lands, which has been ravaged and degraded by oil exploration are being handed over to outsiders.
“The recent barefaced demeaning pattern of allocating oil-prospecting licenses to non-Niger-delta interest is an unacceptable, unjustifiable, and anti-developmental trend of a high-wired plot against the people of Niger-Delta.
“The action of the Nigeria Up-stream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is in deviant to intent and spirit of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which recognizes indigenous interests in the oil and gas industry.
Hence, such non inclusion of indigenous interests signals exclusion and non-transparency that will be counter-productive for the Oil and gas industry and the entire nation.
“As indigenous peoples of the Niger-Delta region, we have been historically marginalized, exploited, and excluded by the oil and gas industry. Our communities have suffered environmental degradation, pollution,and health hazards due to the activities of oil and gas companies.Yet,we receive pittances in benefits, from both government, and international Oil companies”,the statement said.
The group’s leadership said it can only be placated if the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission effect an immediate review of the Oil-Prospecting licenses to reflect at least 40% of the number of oil-blocs for indigenes of Niger-Delta.
Comrade Jonathan also urged the NUPRC to review commitment of oil-bloc owners to environmental remediation of polluted waters and lands, and provide compensation to affected communities.
“Enforce compliance in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Licenced oil-bloc owners, especially in employments, training programs, and support for local business in the region,” the statement added.