Calabar – The Efik Leadership Foundation (ELF) has expressed deep concern over the continued exclusion of Cross River state communities from the host community status accorded by Moni Pulo Limited (MPL), a major oil and gas operator in the region. This exclusion persists despite recent verification by the National Boundaries Commission and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), confirming the presence of MPL operations within Cross River state’s boundaries NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
In a position paper signed by Richard Duke, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ELF, the organization commended Governor Bassey Otu for facilitating the first verification visit to the state in over 12 years. This visit has reaffirmed the claims of communities in Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South Local Government Areas (LGAs), which have long maintained that they are entitled to host community status due to their proximity to MPL’s operations.
The ELF highlighted that these communities, despite being directly affected by the environmental and social impacts of MPL’s operations, have been consistently excluded from MPL’s host community designation. The Foundation pointed out that the Akpabuyo-Bakassi-Calabar Oil and Gas Landlord Joint Committee has made numerous efforts to engage MPL, including submitting petitions and seeking dialogue since 2017, but has been met with resistance from the company.
Key Points from the Position Paper
The ELF’s position paper cites evidence supporting the communities’ claims, including seismic surveys conducted in 2011, soil tests from 2013, and GIS data that place a significant portion of MPL’s OML 114 operations within Cross River state. This evidence, coupled with the recent verification visit by regulatory authorities, further solidifies the communities’ right to host community status.
According to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the NUPRC Host Community Regulations 2022, host communities are defined as those within a five-kilometer radius of operational facilities or the seashore. The ELF maintains that the Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South communities meet this criterion due to their proximity to MPL’s Abana East Wellhead and Water Injection Platform.
The ELF emphasized that the loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon does not negate the host community rights of the remaining Cross River communities, which continue to bear the brunt of MPL’s oil and gas activities. The exclusion, the Foundation argued, raises concerns about transparency and fairness in MPL’s dealings with local communities.
ELF’s Recommendations
In light of the evidence and recent verification, the ELF is calling on the NUPRC to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the exclusion of the affected Cross River communities from MPL’s host community framework. The panel, according to the ELF, should thoroughly review historical records, GIS data, and community testimonies to ensure that justice is served.
The ELF also urged MPL to engage in sustained dialogue with the Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South communities to address their concerns. The establishment of a Host Community Development Trust, as mandated by the PIA, was recommended to ensure the transparent management of benefits for the affected communities.
The Efik Leadership Foundation concluded by calling on the Ministry of Petroleum and the NUPRC to act swiftly in recognizing the rightful host community status of the Cross River communities and ensuring their inclusion in MPL’s future operations.
The ELF’s position paper underscores the urgency of addressing the longstanding grievances of Cross River communities affected by MPL’s oil and gas operations. The Foundation has expressed its readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a fair and just resolution for the people of Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.
