COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ANNUAL STAKEHOLDERS /TOWN HALL MEETING OF OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES (IMO NIGER DELTA AREAS) HELD TODAY 29TH JANUARY 2026,AT MCDONS HOTEL AND RESORT, OWERRI.
THEME:Benefits of Oil and Gas Exploration in a Peaceful Environment
The Annual Stakeholders /Town Hall Meeting of Oil Producing Communities in Imo State, hosted by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, was held today with Stakeholders drawn from oil producing communities, government agencies, traditional institutions oil companies, security agencies, youths, women leaders and the press.
After extensive deliberations on issues affecting oil and gas exploration in Imo State, Stakeholders resolved and issued the following communique:
1.APPRECIATION
Stakeholders expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for his commitment to peace, development and inclusive governance in the Niger Delta areas of the State.
They particularly commended the Governor for the appointment of Dr. Henry Okafor as Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, nothing the visible transformation and renewed focus in the Ministry.
2.ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Stakeholders observed with concern that oil and gas exploration activities have continued to cause serious environmental degradation, including pollution of farmlands and water bodies, thereby undermining the livelihood of farmers and fishermen in oil producing communities.
3.RELATIONSHIP WITH OIL COMPANIES
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that most oil companies operating in the Niger Delta areas of Imo State have failed in their responsibilities to host communities, especially in the areas of community engagement, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility. They noted with dismay that some oil companies still exploit past ignorance of the people, despite the fact that host communities are now better informed of their rights.
4.PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT(PIA)
Stakeholders insisted that oil companies must fully and faithfully implement the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA).
They emphasized the need for inclusivity in the implementation process and called on host communities to actively engage and protect their interests under the PIA framework.
Stakeholders requested that simplified educational materials on the PIA be made available to aid better understanding at the grassroots.
5.CONDUCT OF OIL COMPANIES.
Stakeholders condemned acts of intimidation and harassment of community members by oil companies, warning that such practices are inimical to peace and sustainable operations.
They specifically called on oil companies, particularly Sterling Oil, to desist from actions capable of provoking unrest in host communities.
6.INFRASTRUCTURE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Stakeholders observed that some oil companies extensively use and damage roads within the oil producing areas without making efforts to rehabilitate them.
They resolved that oil companies should, as part of their corporate social responsibility, repair and maintain roads and other infrastructure affected by their operations.
7.COMMENDATION OF POSITIVE PRACTICES
Stakeholders commended Oando for improved community relations and acknowledged Seplat for not only maintaining a physical office presence in Imo State, but are equally involved in various community support programs. Stakeholders, therefore, urged other oil companies to emulate such gestures as this is a sign of goodwill. Sahara oil was equally commended.
8.YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PEACE
The youths of oil producing communities reaffirmed their commitment to peace and declared their commitment to peace and declared their readiness to partner with oil companies for mutual benefits.
Stakeholders urged oil companies to reciprocate by engaging youths constructively and in good faith.
9.Stakeholders appreciated the assurances given by representatives of the Nigerian Army and Navy regarding the provision of security for oil and gas exploration when necessary.
10.TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION
Stakeholders resolved that for sustainable peace to reign, in oil producing communities, Presidents-General must work in harmony with traditional rulers, who are recognized by law as the heads of their communities.
11.DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Stakeholders commended the Governor for siting tertiary institutions in Ohaji Egbema and Oru East Local Government Areas and appealed for the completion of the Marine University, Osemotor, Oguta LGA.
Stakeholders also commended government for her fight against oil theft and promised to continue supporting the fight.
12.CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
Stakeholders encouraged all eligible citizens of Imo State to register with INEC and actively participate in the forthcoming general elections.
CONCLUSION
Stakeholders reaffirmed that peace in oil producing communities is mutually beneficial to government, oil companies and host communities, and urged all parties to act responsibly to sustain the prevailing peace.
This communique was unanimously adopted at the end of the meeting.
