Oil & Gas
THE Federal Government has faulted the activities of Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company, SPEEPCO, an oil servicing company, engaged in drilling oil in Anambra State without proper approvals from the Federal and Anambra State Governments.
This was unveiled during stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the operation of SEEPCO in Ogbaru Local Government Area, LGA of Anambra State.
The event was organised by Environmental Impact Assessment Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment held in Agulu in Anaocha LGA for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the proposed Ameshi Field Development Plan (OML 143) at Ogbaru.
Declaring the event open, Gov. Willie Obiano, who appealed to the FG to regulate the illegal activities SEEPCO in Anambra State, observed that it had constituted environmental problems to the state.
Gov. Obiano noted that SEEPCO had been operating in Ogwu Aniocha and Ogwu Ikpele communities since 2014 without registering their presence with the statutory authorities in Anambra State.
It was gathered that the stakeholders meeting convened by SEEPCO was in breach of the agreement of the meeting of Sept. 15 by the Federal Ministry of Environment, following a series of complaints by Anambra Government and the fact-finding missions the Ministry Defence Headquarters and the Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR, during which a communiqué was produced.
Gov. Obiano said that SEEPCO continued to operate in the state without due compliance with the laws and regulations for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources.
According to him, these laws include Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA; and Permits for Exploration, Well Drilling, Pipe Laying and Facility Construction.
“There are absence of verifiable engagements with host communities, no Corporate Social Responsibility or community development projects, and non compliance with land acquisition, resettlement action plan and compensation plan for injuries and fatalities.
“Hon. Minister of State, your visit to Anambra State gives you a broad knowledge of how SEEPCO has impacted negatively to the environment of the various communities in Ogwu Ikpele and Ogwu-Aniocha in Ogbaru LGA, leading to health, safety and security challenges.
“SEEPCO’s operations have worsened the living standards and conditions of the people of those communities in the areas, creating palpable tension and restiveness that have endangered the relative peace and security before the advent of the company.
“Although several oil blocks/concessions are in Anambra State, only three are active in the state. These are OPLs 914, 916 and OPL 280 now OML 143 operated by Orient Petroleum Resources and Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company respectively.
“It is our hope that today’s meeting will show the extent of how SEEPCO have complied the agreed communiqué.
“This will also address the need for SEEPCO to provide adequate information on its activities in the state and declare the level of its production from Ameshi field.
“It is important to note that Ogbaru is one of flood-prone LGAs in Anambra State with environmental and health challenges,’’ he said.
Gov. Obiano urged the minister to use her good offices to assist the state to access the Ecological Fund in order to mitigate these environmental and health challenges.
The minister of state for environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said that one of the objectives of this administration was to optimally utilise the country’s oil and gas resources to boost Nigeria’s foreign earnings and provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.
According to her, the mandate of the ministry is to ensure environmental protection, natural resources conservation and sustainable development.
“One of the key legal instruments in achieving this mandate in the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, Act Cap E12 LFN, which enables the application of EIA as a planning tool to mitigate environmental challenges that may arise from development projects from the early stages of such projects.
“SEEPCO did not obtain any required regulatory permits before embarking on drilling at the site, which is a clear violation of section 62 of the EIA Act. Consequently, a Stop-Work-Order was issued to SEEPCO on July 6 by the ministry of environment.
“Beyond the `Stop-Work Order’, I want to clearly state that my ministry shall ensure that the full extent of the law is brought to bear on the erring party.
“It is my ardent hope and belief that far-reaching ideas and recommendations by all stakeholders will make the execution of the Ameshi Oil Field development project at the highest level of environmental sustainability.
The Chairman, Oil Committee in Anambra, Frank Edozie, recalled the resolution reached on the Sept.15, meeting included the mitigation caused to the environment in line with FMEnv guidelines and immediate execution of the EIAs for Enyie field FDP and Ameshi Field in Anambra state.
– Nov. 9, 2020 @ 9:55 GMT |
Tags: FG faults illegal oil drilling in Anambra State
