By Nelson Agbajor
Seplat Petroleum Limited says it is not aware of any agreement of a quota system for providing employment and award of contracts with Ikweghwu community in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
Seplat’s reaction followed media report of a quota system for providing employment at the Seplat Warehouse and contract awards to Ikweghwu community which degenerated to a protest by some youths at the warehouse of the company in the community on Thursday, January 21, 2021.
The protesters from the community our correspondent gathered had alleged that Seplat was yet to implement a purported agreement recently reached with the community in a meeting held at the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe kingdom sometime ago.
The company in a press release, however, said it is currently in discussion with Ikweghwu community to amicably resolve their demands saying it holds its host communities in high esteem hence it is constantly taking steps towards ensuring a cordial working relationship with the communities.
Seplat said, “Since inception, our host communities have remained our critical stakeholder, and we remain committed to our prime objective of creating a highly beneficial relationship with our host communities.
“Our commitment is demonstrated in the strong partnerships built by Seplat with its host communities in the Niger Delta over a decade of operations, resulting in a stable operating environment for the Company.
“It should be noted that Seplat over the year has demonstrated the true spirit of unalloyed supports and total commitments to its host communities via the various projects across the Niger Delta region.”
As at the time of filling in this report, efforts to reach Ikweghwu community for comments proved abortive.
