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The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has picketed the headquarters of Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) in Lagos, protesting the company’s repeated breaches of contractual agreements with its host communities, Effiat/Mbo, in Akwa Ibom State.
The protesters, led by the Akwa Ibom State and Lagos chapters of CDHR, barricaded the premises of the oil company, carrying placards demanding justice.
The Akwa-Ibom chairman of CDHR, Ndifreke Afangideh, who addressed the angry protesters, highlighted that OERL has consistently demonstrated a callous disregard for agreements, laws and the rights of the host communities, despite numerous efforts by stakeholders to compel compliance.
The community leaders also took turns to narrate how OERL has disrespected and exploited the communities, flagrantly disregarding agreements signed in November 2023 and October 2024.
They called out the company management to acknowledge the protest letter and respond to the accusations raised.
After keeping the protesters waiting for hours, the company sent emissaries to accept the letter on its behalf while pledging to uphold the agreements.
The CDHR is demanding that OERL should immediately comply with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, specifically the Community Content Guidelines.
“Fulfil all agreements reached with the Effiat/Mbo host communities in good faith. Take concrete steps to address the grievances and concerns of the host communities.”
The CDHR also demanded that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) take immediate action to enforce compliance with the NOGICD Act 2010 and hold OERL accountable for its actions.
Oriental Energy Resources Limited was founded by Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, who has over 20 years of experience in the Nigerian upstream oil and gas sector.
The company’s board of directors comprises prominent individuals such as Goni Sheikh, Mustafa Indimi, Amina Indimi-Fodio, Ibrahim Indimi and Ahmed Indimi.
This is not the first controversy surrounding OERL. In July 2023, a firm, Uniterm Nigeria Limited, asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to wind up OERL over an alleged $1.45 million debt.
Additionally, a Federal High Court in Lagos restrained OERL from withdrawing, transferring or removing any funds, properties or assets.
