Youths from the five oil-producing communities surrounding the Seplat Energy airstrip in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have organized a peaceful demonstration, voicing concerns over what they describe as unjust and biased local content policies by the oil and gas company.
According to LEADERSHIP Weekend, the aggrieved group, which includes recent graduates, publicly expressed frustration over the exclusion of what they termed “qualified local graduates” from recent hiring rounds.
The protesters, representing the communities of Ukwa, Okopedi, Afaha Ukwa, Iko Ekwa, and Afaha Ukwa Obokidim-key host communities to SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU)-gathered under the leadership of various youth association presidents.
They voiced strong dissatisfaction with SEPLAT Energy’s recruitment of 70 new staff members, none of whom, they claim, were selected from the indigenous host communities.
“Despite the company’s continuous operations here, our communities have been sidelined in employment opportunities, as if our peaceful nature means we can be ignored,” the youths lamented.
Leading the coalition of youth leaders were Iwaad Bassey Sunday James and Prince Godwin Nkuh, who carried placards with diverse messages and led chants of unity and solidarity.
The group called for strict adherence to Nigeria’s Local Content Act as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), emphasizing that the law requires oil and gas firms to prioritize local workforce and contracting opportunities.
One participant from Esit Eket LGA, Edigheyong Sam Edet, shared with our correspondent that the protest remained peaceful largely due to the timely intervention of the Eket LGA chairman, Rt. Hon. Akaninyene Tommey.
“Authorities were alerted to the possibility of the protest being exploited by troublemakers, prompting swift action from the Eket LGA chairman and security agencies, including the Divisional Police Officer of Eket Division, officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and representatives from the Government Joint Labour Committee,” he explained.
Chairman Tommey helped to ease tensions among the demonstrators and pledged to relay their concerns to the appropriate authorities to ensure a fair resolution that benefits all parties involved.
Earlier, during a first-ever engagement with the Akwa Ibom media, SEPNU’s Government and Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Ogechukwu Udeagha, had assured that the company’s operations in the state would proceed without conflict. He emphasized that all dealings with host communities would align with global best practices.
Mr. Udeagha further highlighted that collaborative efforts with local populations through the Host Communities Trust Funds would foster harmonious development and mutual growth within the operational zones.
