The Imo State Government has accused the authorities of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) of neglecting its host communities in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local councils.

Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Eze Madumere, stated this on Tuesday, during the 19th edition of Farmers Day celebration held at the Green River Project Plant Propagation Centre in Ogba-Egbema, Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State.

Madumere alleged that nothing concrete had been demonstrated by company to show commensurate presence in the host communities, expressing concern that it was the first time the state government was being represented at such a forum, despite the claim by the company that it has covered over 120 rural communities, empowering 35,000 farmers and building capacity.

“Where is the place of Imo State in the whole statistics?” he asked, urging the multi-national oil firm to look into pollution in Imo communities.

Chairman and Managing Director of the NAOC, Mr. Ciro Antonio, accompanied by his vice, Massimo Insulla, on his part, said the project was for the four stakeholder states — Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Imo.

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sunny Echono, in their speeches, commended the authorities at NAOC for the project and for offering farmers new opportunities.