OML 25: Host Communities give SPDC conditions for re-entry

Seven years after the closure of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 25, operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, host communities of the facility have given shell conditions for re-entry into the facility.

The communities demanded that SPDC sign a Purchase Order (PO) with Belemaoil, an indigenous firm, as part of conditions to guarantee its resumption of operations in the facility.

They also requested engagements with Shell and the provision of infrastructure, among others in the areas.

The communities comprising Kula, Ofoin-Ama, Belema, Ngeje and its satellite communities gave the conditions during a meeting between SPDC, representatives of the Rivers State Government, NNPCL and other joint venture partners in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, Anabs Sara-Igbe, one of the community leaders, pointed out that the area has suffered for over 50 years of SPDC’s operation without anything to show.

He said the communities are ready for resumption of oil exploration in the facility but insisted that until the conditions are met, SPDC won’t be allowed to come.

Sara-Igbe said: “We are ready for Shell to move in for operations immediately, provided they carry out all the agreed terms

“We have discussed about the welfare of the people. A lot of our children, graduates, skilled people are unemployed and we are saying that it has nothing to do with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, our people must be employed if SPDC is coming to work in our area”.

He stressed that SPDC should follow up with the eight-point agreement with Belemaoil, where he said community development, which includes human capital development, training and employment inclusive and infrastructural development also inclusive.

“We also agreed that there should be an operation and maintenance contract between Belemaoil and SPDC. We want them to sign that agreement and issue a PO to that effect.

The communities further urged the oil giants not to return to the community if they will not adhere to the terms of the agreement.

Sara-Igbe said the first step to implementing the agreements is for SPDC to sign the agreement with Belemaoil.

He said, “Belemaoil is our eye. They are in-between the community and SPDC. So if they do all that with Belemaoil and they give us those documents, then we have no problem.”