Reps to Probe Oil Companies Over Violations in Imo State
By Afolabi Nelson
The House of Representatives has ordered its committees to investigate oil and gas companies in Imo State for allegedly violating the NOGICD Act 2010, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and the Taxes and Levies Act. The probe will also examine how the companies have implemented the Host Community Development Trusts in the state.
The House directed the companies to comply with the NOGICD Act by hiring more local workers, awarding contracts to indigenous firms, and setting up operational offices in their host communities. Lawmakers also insisted that the firms must implement the Host Community Development Trusts under the PIA, cooperate with the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, and engage in dialogue with community leaders to promote peace.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Okafor explained that the NOGICD Act was created to boost Nigerian participation in the oil sector, while the PIA ensures fair benefit sharing and environmental management. The Taxes and Levies Act, he added, allows state governments to collect certain taxes from businesses to support development.
Okafor named the companies involved, including Seplat Energy Plc (OML 53), NDPR (OML 54), SEEPCO, Waltersmith Petroman (OML 16), Associate Oil & Gas/Dansaki Petroleum, Chorus Energy, TotalEnergies/NNPC JV, and NNPC Limited. He said host communities in areas like Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta have accused these firms of ignoring the law by failing to establish operational offices in their areas, depriving the state of jobs and economic benefits.
