State Labour Committee engages Seplat to boost relations, community development
The Akwa Ibom State Labor and Industrial Committee, on Monday March 10, met with Seplat Petroleum Petroleum Nigeria Unlimited at the Dakkada Secretariat in Uyo, as discussions centered on fostering collaboration, promoting fair labour practices, and ensuring sustainable development for communities hosting Seplat’s operations.
Mr. Esumo Effiong, Seplat’s Manager of Government and Public Affairs, informed the committee that the company has fully complied with Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), highlighting Seplat’s pioneering role as the first IOC to establish a Host Community Development Trust, a claim verified by committee members.
Mr. Effiong added that the company has met its financial obligations to the Trust for a three-year period, explaining that Seplat relies on third-party contractors for its operations and, while unable to provide immediate employment and contract data specific to the host community and state, pledged to consult relevant departments and report back.
He emphasised that Seplat encourages its contractors and service providers to adhere to the Community Content Regulation (CCR), a policy overseen by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Noting further that the CCR mandates local participation in the oil and gas sector through employment and contracting opportunities, he appealed for continued cooperation from the state government, the committee, and host communities to ensure smooth operations.
Responding, Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan, a former Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Leader and committee member, praised Seplat’s efforts but urged deeper collaboration, particularly with third-party contractors.
While expressing satisfaction with Seplat (formerly ExxonMobil), he stressed the need for contractors to comply with CCR provisions and called for training of the youths to meet the required standards.
Another committee member and Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon, requested detailed, transparent records of Seplat’s workforce, including expatriates, to facilitate accurate tax assessments.
He also urged the company to relocate key departments to Uyo’s 21-storey Intelligent Building, a move he argued would strengthen ties with the state.
Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Essien Nse, PhD who had earlier on, opened the floor for discussion by outlining the state Governor’s Executive Order on labor and industrial matters, underscored the need for transparency and commitment from Seplat and other companies operating in Akwa Ibom.
While commending Seplat’s adherence to the PIA, he issued a stern warning to its third-party contractors.
“The state government will no longer tolerate excesses from service companies. They must respect the host communities and declare employment quotas for the locals. We want meaningful contracts, vessel supply, not just grass-cutting or janitorial services,” he noted, adding that there is always a penalty for contractors who fail to comply with CCR policies.
Hon. Elder Ikoedem Ekong, the Commissioner for Labor and Manpower Development reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights while fostering a business-friendly environment.
He expressed displeasure at Seplat sending a mid-level manager to the meeting, insisting that Seplat must come with a-decision-making Management Staff to future interactions, emphasising that the state committee complements, rather than replaces, local government labour committees, and its scope extends beyond Seplat’s host communities to other oil firms, major state contractors, and federal agencies operating in Akwa Ibom.
