The Anambra State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the effects of crude oil exploration and theft in Ogwuikpele community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Chidiebele Ibemeka, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, expressed his displeasure during an oversight visit to the community.
Ibemeka said the visit was an opportunity to witness the challenges faced by the community due to the operations of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO).
“The legislators are here to witness firsthand what is happening in Ogwuikpele community.
“We are disappointed at the activities of the company. Their operations is causing environmental degradation, pollution, and socio-economic hardships in the community.
“After assessing the area, we discovered that the company does not have metering system to account for the resources they are drilling and the company’s gas flaring control is low, thereby killing economic trees and increasing temperature.
“They are transporting products outside the state through underground pipes into batches without any accounting system as well as no employment of any Anambra indigene.
“The company is not only depriving the state of crucial revenue, they are also not providing essential services and corporate social responsibilities to the host community,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of the House, commended the members of the community for being peaceful and calm.
Ofodeme assured them that the Assembly would initiate legislative measures to promote environmental protection and ensure corporate accountability.
According to him, the legislative measures will safeguard the interests of residents and preserve the state’s natural resources for future generations.
Responding to questions from the lawmakers, Mr Kylian Mahtre, Base Manager of SEEPCO, confirmed that they had no metering system to determine the quantity of oil and gas exported outside the community.
“I joined the company two years ago and before then there had been exportation of crude oil and pure gas to Delta state.
“Drilling and exportation are being done continuously in this community and two and half badges of oil are being loaded daily,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Sunday Madupue, President-General of Ogwuikpele community, highlighted some of the adverse effects of the company’s activities on their health, agriculture and overall quality of life.
“The impact of activities of the company has resulted in erosion which is already sacking homesteads.
“While oil spillage has contaminated the water bodies which in turn made our farmlands unproductive and aquatic life unsustainable,” he said.
