Stakeholders from oil-producing communities in Imo State have blamed rising youth restiveness and persistent underdevelopment in the region on the alleged failure of oil companies to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The concerns were raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Imo State Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence to chart a new course for development and stability in the state’s oil-rich areas.
Participants at the meeting—drawn from political leadership, traditional institutions, town unions, as well as women and youth groups—accused several oil firms operating in the region of deliberately ignoring the provisions of the PIA, despite benefiting from oil exploration activities in host communities.
Leading the criticism, the member representing Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Eugene Dibiagu, alleged that oil companies routinely evade their corporate responsibilities while using the PIA as a convenient shield.
He argued that, contrary to claims by the firms, the PIA remains largely unimplemented in their operational plans, leaving host communities without tangible development. Dibiagu specifically accused Stalin Global Oil Company of resorting to intimidation and force in resolving disputes with its host communities.
The lawmaker cited the case of a young man from Obitti community who, he said, has been detained in police custody in Abuja at the instance of the oil company for demanding improved welfare conditions for workers. According to Dibiagu, the individual has remained incarcerated for over a year for insisting that the company fulfil its obligations.
Former federal lawmaker, Goodluck Opiah, also faulted the oil companies, reminding them that the PIA clearly provides that three per cent of revenues accrued from oil exploration be allocated to host communities. He expressed frustration that companies continue to delay or resist compliance with the law.
Opiah warned that while community leaders have worked tirelessly to restrain aggrieved youths, sustaining peace would become increasingly difficult without visible commitment from oil firms. He urged the companies to honour the PIA and build healthier relationships with their hosts.
Representatives of Oando, Seplat and Sahara Upstream, who were present at the meeting, acknowledged the concerns and pledged to adhere strictly to the provisions of the PIA. They stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence with host communities and agreed that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving disputes.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Henry Okafor, said the meeting was part of the state government’s annual engagement framework designed to promote harmony between oil companies and host communities.
He reaffirmed the Imo State Government’s commitment to ensuring that oil firms operating in the region meet their statutory obligations, warning that any company found to be flouting the PIA would face consequences.
Okafor also cautioned host communities against violence, urging them to see oil companies as partners in development. He noted that the firms operate under government licences and that attacks on them ultimately amount to challenging government authority.
