Anambra oil-bearing communities protest neglect, deplorable amenities, seek govt intervention

Two oil-bearing communities in Anambra State, Ogwuikpele and Ogwuaniocha, have recently protested the neglect and deplorable living conditions in their areas despite the existence of significant oil deposits. The communities have accused the Anambra State Government of failing to provide basic amenities for the local population, calling for intervention from the government and oil mining company, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).

The residents have specifically criticized SEEPCO for not fulfilling its obligations, including providing scholarships to locals and building necessary facilities such as schools, hospitals, and access roads. Traditional ruler of Ogwuikpele Community, Odua Ukwu Ogwuikpele, expressed his community's dissatisfaction with the living conditions, emphasizing that the oil exploration has led to the death of several people, and the community has not received its fair share of the 13 percent derivation.

Ogbaru Oil and Gas Technical Committee (OOGTC), representing the communities, has called for the reconstitution of the Anambra State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC) to ensure meaningful representation and leadership positions for community members. The Chairman of OOGTC, Engr. Anthony Egwuatu, reiterated the demand for SEEPCO to adhere to its commitments and stated that the government must provide public services and institutional support to improve the situation in these communities.