Anambra State Assembly Committee Quizzes SEEPCO On Neglect Of State Workforce, Non Implementation Of Federal Character

Anambra State House of Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, SEEPCO, for its failure to employ indigenes 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,

Honourable Chidiebele Ibemeka, who criticized the company’s disregard for the local workforce and inability to recognize the implementation of Federal Character in their employment.

House of Assembly Correspondent Emmanuel Chigbata reports that Honourable Ibemeka emphasized that despite SEEPCO’s operations in Anambra since 2006, and active exploration in the Ogwuaniocha and Oguikpele communities in Ogbaru Council Area beginning in 2018, the company has not provided any meaningful employment opportunities to Anambra indigenes.

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.