EKET, Youths from the five host communities surrounding the Seplat Energy airstrip in Eket Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, accusing the energy firm of excluding qualified local graduates from recent recruitment exercises.
The demonstrators, representing Ukwa, Okopedi, Afaha Ukwa, Iko Ekwa, and Afaha Ukwa Obokidim, expressed outrage over Seplat Energy’s alleged hiring of seventy (70) new employees without any inclusion of indigenous candidates. They argued that despite the company’s ongoing operations in the area, the communities have been left out of job opportunities.
Led by the President of the Five Villages Association, Iwaad Bassey Sunday James, and Prince Godwin Nkuh, the protesters carried placards and sang solidarity songs while demanding the enforcement of Nigeria’s Local Content Act. The Act mandates oil and gas companies operating in the country to prioritize local manpower and contract opportunities.
The protest, which remained peaceful, drew the attention of local authorities and was promptly addressed by the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Akaniyene Tommey. The intervention team included the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Eket Division, officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and representatives of the Government Joint Labour Committee.
As of the time of filing this report, investigations are underway to verify the claims leveled against Seplat Energy.
