Umuahia – Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, has urged development partners in the state to take responsibility of the impact of their activities on the environment.
Ikpeazu made this call in Umuahia when principal officers of Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) and leaders of Owaza community, paid him a visit on Thursday.
He also said that the companies should ensure the social wellbeing of their host communities.
The governor said that poor communication between the firm and the Owaza people had led to agitation by the people of the community, stressing that the host community ought to be compensated.
” I think they have been shortchanged because nothing shows the presence of an oil exploration company in the area.
“The major complaint is on the environmental impact assessment. Since the company has done the assessment, it is nice for the community to know the content of the document;
“So that they will know their rights with respect to corporate social responsibility. Our interest is that your business survives so that Abia earns revenue,” Ikpeazu said.
Mr Francois Le-Coca, Deputy Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, said the organisation was committed to fostering mutual understanding, trust and cooperation with the people of Owaza.
Le-Coca said that there had been a little issue with the host community but expressed the hope that the firm would resolve the matter peacefully.
Chief Sam Nwogu, the Leader of Owaza Community delegation, thanked the State Government and promised that the community would provide an enabling environment for Total E&P.
Nwogu said that “since 1958, Shell has been carrying out oil exploration and we desire to have a healthy relationship with Total E&P”.