Tag: Anambra Assembly

By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu :

Anambra State House of Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) for its failure to employ even a single indigene of Anambra State in its multi-million-dollar oil exploration activities running in the state.

The concern was raised during an interrogation by the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led by the Chairman, Mr Chidiebele Ibemeka, who criticized the company’s disregard for local workforce.

Ibemeka emphasized that despite SEEPCO’s operations in Anambra since 2006, and active exploration in the Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Council Area beginning in 2018, the company has not provided any meaningful employment opportunities to Anambra indigenes.

According to the lawmaker, when asked to present documentation detailing the local hiring efforts, SEEPCO failed to include any names from the state.

Apart from the employment issue, Ibemeka highlighted environmental concerns, including frequent oil spills and gas flaring caused by the company’s operations, stating that their operations have had detrimental effects on the livelihood and health of the communities. 

The lawmaker lamented the company’s disregard for the people, stating that it is unacceptable for a business operating within the state’s borders to neglect the welfare and employment needs of Anambra’s citizens.

He noted that as representatives of the people, it is the duty of the lawmakers to safeguard the interests of Ndi Anambra and will not rest until all entitlements due to ndi Anambra are properly allocated and delivered.

Mr Ibemeka pledged that the house will continue to intensify efforts to hold SEEPCO accountable and to ensure that the company fulfills its corporate social responsibility with regards to Petroleum Industry Act, to the host communities, particularly in employment and environmental protections.

Recall that the Assembly directed SEEPCO to provide evidence that they have established a Host Communities’ Development Trust in compliance with Section 235(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA (2021); show proof that three percent of their annual budget has been paid for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 and also submit documents detailing the projects executed as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Further documentations requested included a NEEDs assessment of the host communities in line with Section 251 of the PIA, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, and a plan for natural gas flare elimination and monetization, in accordance with Section 108 of the PIA.

The Assembly also demanded that the company present its decommissioning and abandonment plans, evidence of output metering for daily oil and gas production, a list of Ndi Anambra employed by the company, and proof of tax payments to the state since the company’s inception.

However, the company represented by General Manager of Community Relations and Security at SEEPCO, Mr. Austin Atuonah, presented other documents, excluding a list of Ndi Anambra employed by the company, partial proof of tax payments to the state and a plan for natural gas flare elimination and monetization.

* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

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By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu  :

Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Dr. Law Mefor as the Commissioner-designate for Information following his nomination by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to replace Sir Paul Nwosu.

Dr. Mefor’s confirmation came after a thorough screening during a plenary session, where he was found suitably qualified to serve in the Anambra State Government.

Following the screening, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Chukwuma Okoye who presided over the plenary announced Dr. Mefor’s confirmation where lawmakers unanimously supported the appointment through a voice vote.

In his remarks, he urged Dr. Mefor to remain dedicated to serving the people of Anambra and to align with the governor’s agenda to achieve great progress for the state.

In response, Dr. Mefor expressed his commitment to advancing information management in Anambra through political and strategic communication, pledging to enhance the Ministry of Information and diligently work towards realizing the governor’s vision for the state.

* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa, Gloria Abugu :

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the Environmental Management, Protection, and Administration Bill, 2024.

This follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s assent to 11 bills passed by the Assembly earlier today.

The bill, passed during today’s plenary session, seeks to provide a legal framework for the management, protection, and sustainability of the environment in Anambra State.

The bill successfully passed its third reading after deliberations and consideration at the Committee of the Whole. The Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, moved a motion for the third reading and passage, which was seconded by the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Honourable Augustine Ike.

The Speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, read the bill for the third time and announced its passage after it garnered wide support from the lawmakers.

He appreciated the legislators for their efforts throughout the stages of the bill, stating that it truly reflects their commitment towards making Anambra a better place.