Protest erupts in Akwa Ibom as residents accuse Oriental Energy of ignoring local content law

Residents of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, took to the streets in a demonstration against indigenous oil firm Oriental Energy Resources Limited. The protesters voiced their grievances on Monday, expressing concerns that the company has disregarded the nation’s content law by neglecting the employment and contract opportunities for the local community.

Carrying placards with powerful messages, the protesters demanded that Oriental Energy stop flouting the local content law and relocate its operational base to Mbo. They strongly objected to the marginalization in employment and contract awards and emphasized that qualified individuals from the Mbo community should have the opportunity to work with Oriental Energy.

Comrade Edwards Moses, the Mbo Youth President, addressed the crowd, highlighting that the community content guidelines require oil companies operating in the area to prioritize local labor. Specifically, the law mandates that 100% of unskilled labor, 50% of semi-skilled labor, and at least 20% of skilled labor should be sourced from the community. Unfortunately, Oriental Energy has not adhered to these provisions, as stipulated in Section 4, sub-sections 1-4 of the Nigeria Content Act 2010.

The Youth President expressed disappointment that out of 300 to 400 unskilled laborers working offshore, only two are from Mbo. He called on the company to comply with the local content law in its operations and ensure that the community benefits from the opportunities in the oil industry.

Moses asserted that the community has a stake in the operations of Oriental Energy, as the company operates on their water. According to their information, the service companies working for Oriental have been advised not to engage with the local community, purportedly due to the company’s refusal to include community content in their contract awards.

As of press time, the Managing Director of Oriental Energy, Mustafa Indimi, could not be reached for comment. However, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Mfon Etim Henry, praised the company for fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility in the area. Henry acknowledged the protesters’ right to demand fair treatment and a more equitable share in the company’s activities.