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Tag: ExxonMobil

  • ExxonMobil targets $3b from sale of Nigeria oil, gas fields

    Oil major, Exxon Mobil, is planning to sell a suite of oil and gas fields in Nigeria as it focuses on new developments in the United States (U.S.) shale and Guyana, industry and banking sources said yesterday.

    The potential disposals are expected to include stakes in onshore and offshore fields and could raise up to $3 billion, two sources told Reuters.

    “Exxon is actively divesting in Nigeria,” one source who was briefed on the divestment plans said. Exxon declined to comment.

    The Irving, Texas-based oil firm is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Nigeria, with 106 operated platforms. Its oil output in the West African country reached 225,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2017, its website says.

    Exxon officials have held talks in recent weeks with several Nigerian companies to gauge their interest in the fields.

    One source said Exxon was due to open a “data room” – which would provide technical information on the fields, such as seismic and production details.

    The discussions focused on a number of onshore fields Exxon is in joint ventures (JV) with Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) including oil mining leases (OMLs) 66, 68, 70 and 104. Exxon’s share of oil production in those fields reached 120,000 bpd in 2017, the last year for which data was available.

    Exxon is also weighing the possible sale of stakes in offshore fields in Nigeria, two sources said.

    It is looking into offering for sale assets in Equatorial Guinea and Chad, according to sources.

    Read also: OPL 310: ‘Lekoil needs minister’s consent’

    The Federal Government has in the last decade supported a drive-by domestic firms such as Oando, Seplat and privately held Aiteo to expand their operations in the country as international companies including Royal Dutch Shell sought to lower their presence due to oil spills resulting from pipeline sabotage.

    Exxon recently launched the sale of its stake in Azerbaijan’s largest oilfield, which would mark its retreat from the former Soviet state after 25 years.

    It announced earlier this year plans to boost its capital spending from $26 billion in 2018 to $30 billion in 2019 and up to $35 billion next year as it seeks to develop oilfields in Guyana and the U.S. Permian basin as well as gas projects in Mozambique and the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    In an analyst presentation last month, Exxon said it would accelerate its divestments to around $15 billion by 2021.

  • PENGASSAN draws battle line with Exxonmobil over sack

    A possible confrontation between members of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Exxonmobil is by the corner, following moves by the oil giant to disengage some of its local employees this week, The Nation has learnt.

    The union had on three occasions warned the multinational firm to desist from its various levels of discriminatory de-Nigerianisation stance, which has in the last three years excluded the citizens from performing strategic functions in the office.

    It was gathered that membership of all the Special Review which determines the current spate of sacks, retirements and job losses are whites. There is no single black person in the team.

    PENGASSAN sources indicated early in the week that the company has demonstrated a lot of impunity in its activities, to the extent of even ignoring court summons and appearances and has gone forward to relieve top Nigerians of their positions.

    The union said: “It is unfortunate that reported intimidation, harassment, bullying, witch-hunting and unethical practices, reported against the Special Review or investigation team by PENGASSAN was not investigated and addressed by the company.

    “The demand of PENGASSAN communicated through our letter dated November 21, 2018 to suspend the review, was ignored and treated with utmost disdain.”

    Our sources can reveal that the company, which is now inundated with several legal issues relating to this, is not relenting in its plots of de-Nigerianisation, and has replaced its Nigerian security employees with a new arrival of over 30 foreigners posted within and outside the establishment. This development trails the occurrence, few months ago, where a good number of some lower employees were replaced in the same manner.

    The union said the action  attracted a protracted legal tussle which the company eventually lost, even though it went on to accomplish its bidding. This expresses the pattern of disregard for law when it comes to treating Nigerians in the organisation, the body stated.

    When contacted, Manager, Media and Communications, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Mr. Oge Udeagha, said: “It is MPN’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities, in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations, to individuals who are qualified to perform job requirements.

    All matters relating to our employees are private, and we therefore decline to comment further on this issue.

  • ExxonMobil: blockade threatens Nigeria’s oil production

    Oil giant ExxonMobil has decried the blockade mounted by its former employees around its facilities in Nigeria.

    The oil firm said the activity threatens crude production and such “disruptions to these operations have the potential to significantly impact revenues.”

    It said the blockade was characterised by playing of loud music, defacing of company facilities and intimidation of personnel,  adding that  the “continued denial of access to production facilities could impact the company’s ability to safely continue production operations.”

    This is coming after a six-week blockade by former workers at the oil facilities.

    In July, the Lagos headquarters of ExxonMobil was shut down by the company’s workers’ unions over the alleged dismissal of 860 security personnel without entitlement. The workers besieged the office of the oil company, protesting the sacking of workers, mainly Nigerians. The protesters accused the company of sacking the workers most of whom had worked with the company for over 22 years without regards for the rule of law

    Mobil Producing Nigeria, the ExxonMobil subsidiary that released the statement, produces over 550,000 barrels per day of crude oil, condensates and natural gas liquids.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s average production in the second quarter of 2018 was 1.8 million barrels per day. Officials at the oil company feared the blockade may affect the nation, which relies heavily on oil revenue.

    Output from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC’s) second-biggest producer has jumped to a record and is set to expand further, reflecting higher investment in the country’s southern fields following crude’s rally.

    “Iraq has oil that’s cheap and relatively easy to produce,” Mustafa Ansari, a senior economist at Arab Petroleum Investments Corp., said in an interview in Muscat, Oman. Increased output from the south has more than compensated for a halt in production from the shuttered Kirkuk field in the north, he said.

    The country pumped 4.64 million barrels a day in August, beating the previous high set two years ago, while exports matched peak levels from 2016, according to a Bloomberg survey and tanker-tracking data.

    Oil has averaged more than $70 a barrel this year after the OPEC countries and its allies curtailed output to eliminate a global glut. But with supply threats on the rise from Iran to Venezuela, there’s mounting concern that the group’s spare capacity now won’t be sufficient be absorb any major supply shocks.

    Buyers have already begun shunning Iranian barrels as the market prepares for the onset of fresh U.S. sanctions in November. Iranian oil exports fell 14 percent in August, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

    “It remains unclear whether OPEC will be able to absorb a potentially massive fall in Iranian oil exports due to the U.S. sanctions,” Commerzbank AG said in a note.

    The same day, Nigeria Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu sought to reassure, saying Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with Nigeria and Angola, can bring enough oil to the market to help meet shortfalls from Iran.

  • ‘ExxonMobil obeys Supreme Court order on sacked spy policemen’

    Contrary to claims by the protesting spy policemen that ExxonMobil has not complied with the Supreme Court order to reabsorb its sacked officers, the oil giant has obeyed the  order and fully paid the officers’ entitlements after they were disengaged, The Nation has learnt.

    An official of the oil firm stated that it reabsorbed the spy police officers in compliance with the apex court order, but had to disengage them later for operational reasons and due to the business model of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), an affiliate of ExxonMobil.

    The Nation also gathered that the spy policemen were paid their benefits with some getting as much as N20 million. According to the source, the package was communicated to the affected workers on their disengagement contrary to some reports that they were disengaged without entitlement.

    Also, following the Supreme Court judgment of last April 20,  directing MPN, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, to recognise the spy policemen as employees, the company not only accepted the ruling, but proceeded to comply and acknowledged the number of years the affected officers had spent in the organisation in line with the company’s human capital policy.

    “We understand that it was on this basis that the compensation package, which reportedly totalled over N1.2billion, was arrived at and communicated to the staff on their disengagement last weekend,” the source said, adding that on individual terms, this translated to about between eight and 10 times the yearly basic salaries of the affected personnel.

    “In addition to this package, the disengaged staff were also paid their July and August salaries and would also receive pensions in line with the company’s pension policy. The 860 spy policemen to be paid these benefits comprised about 500, who were in the MPN system as at last weekend and 360 others, who had been disengaged from the services of MPN long before the Supreme Court judgment.

    “Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, the spy policemen’s salaries were being paid through the Nigerian Police Force, with some augmentation by MPN monthly,” the source said, adding that this was the structure of the third party engagement from inception.

    In view of MPN’s business model, calculating their emoluments and benefits was a challenge. Most of them have secondary school certificates as their highest qualification.

    Reflecting how the spy policemen came into the oil company, the source said: “They were recruited and trained by the Nigeria Police and deployed to Mobil Producing Nigeria. The company has been paying them through the police.

    “Administratively, they were being managed by the police, including their promotions and other benefits. Most of the spy policemen, who joined the service in the 1990s, have put in a minimum of 12 years of service. They took MPN to court demanding to be absorbed as full staff members to be entitled to full benefits like every other MPN employees. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court and was decided in their favour.

    “However, due to the peculiar nature of the oil and gas industry, ExxonMobil was compelled to terminate their appointments, despite agreeing to pay all their benefits, gratuity, leave allowance arrears and pension going back to when they began to work for the company.

    “ExxonMobil is an oil and gas producing company, and not a security services provider. In all, they were about 900. Of this number, a lot of them have either retired or moved on to other jobs or even died. Those who are still active are about 500, more than all the engineers.

    “As an operator of a joint venture with the Federal Government, management thought it would be difficult to defend their status as employees on the payroll of the company. The time they were issued letters of employment as directed by the Supreme Court, they were informed the company would not be able to carry them in the company’s books as employees going forward. They were told that those who were strong enough to continue working would be absorbed through a third party security provider to the company for them to continue working for MPN.”

    The spy policemen had shut ExxonMobil’s operations in Lagos and Eket, Akwa Ibom states, simultaneously over the alleged denial of their entitlements.

    The Chairman, Security Workforce ExxonMobil, Okon Johnson, said the protesters, some of whom put in about 22 years, accused the management of refusing to comply with Supreme Court order to absorb them as employees of the company.

    However, the Media & Communications Manager of MPN, Mr. Oge Udeagha, disowned the accusations. He didn’t comment fully on the compensation packages for the disengaged spy policemen.

    He said the management had fully complied with the Supreme Court order by providing compensation packages for the affected personnel.

    Udeagha said: “Following the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) has provided compensation packages for the affected personnel. The compensation packages cover all categories of affected personnel, including those in active service, and others who had already left the services of the Company before the judgment.

    “In addition, the company is also offering Human Resources consulting services to assist with employment opportunities with third parties. MPN typically retains security services through third parties who are best positioned to provide these core competencies.

    “We thank these individuals for their prior service in supporting the safety and security of our operations in Nigeria.”

  • Protesting workers shut ExxonMobil

    PROTESTING workers yesterday shut the headquarters of ExxonMobil on Victoria Island, Lagos, over the alleged sacking of 860 spy police without entitlement.

    They claimed that most of the workers who had been with the company for over 22 years were sacked in defiance of the law.

    Chairman of ExxonMobil Branch of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Rasak Obe said the protest was to express the workers’ dissatisfaction with management.

    Obe said the union was shocked by the mass sack of the security personnel.

    He urged management to reinstate them and pay their entitlements.

    The union chief urged  management to also reinstate the 16 workers purportedly sacked in December 2016 in a similar fashion.

    He demanded the repatriation of over 20 foreign security personnel who are being kept in defiance of the law.

    According to him, this was an unfortunate situation which the Supreme Court corrected with its April 20, 2018 judgment of 508 personnel.

    “This underscores the scale of error in the company’s assessment of the reality after the Supreme Court judgment. There are tens more who by the judgment are active employees of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited.

    “To say the least, this wholesale sack unambiguously conveys management’s disdain for the highest court of the country and mocks its ruling on subject,” he said.

    Obe said the company was quick to sack Nigerians and replace them with foreigners.

    He said the foreign security personnel, many of whom were ex-service men, were engaged against the directives of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and the Ministry of Defence.

    “The cost of keeping one of the over 20 expatriate security personnel in Nigeria would pay 100 of the Nigerian security personnel currently being repressed.

    “This impunity has been raised with Human Resources and Law since February 2018, but the company continues to ignore our advice,” Obe said.

    ExxonMobi Media and Communications Manager Mr Ogechukwu Udeagha confirmed the protest, saying: “Following the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, MPN would provide compensation packages for affected personnel.

    “And it is offering Human Resource, consulting services to assist with employment opportunities with third parties. MPN typically retains security services through third parties who are best positioned to provide these core competencies.

    “We thank these individuals for their prior service in supporting the safety and security of our operations in Nigeria.”

  • ‘How ExxonMobil’s N13b investment, others boost Akwa Ibom’s economy

    Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), operators of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC/MPN) joint venture, is a household name in Akwa Ibom State where its operations are based. As part of its corportae social responsibility (CSR), the oil company has invested a N13billion in projects to improve the quality of life of the people in the state, reports EMEKA UGWUANYI.

    Since it began operations more than three decades ago in Akwa Ibom State, ExxonMobil has contributed to the state economy and that of the Federal Government through numerous programmes and projects.

    It has invested in education, health, skill development and forged a mutually beneficial relationship with the host communities.

    Apart from its commitment to providing long-term health, educational and economic benefits to its host communities, it recently performed the ground-breaking ceremony of three major community-assistance projects in the state worth N13 billion.

    The projects include a technical skills acquisition facility at the Community Technical College, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, trauma centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and an engineering faculty complex at the University of Uyo.

    The projects are expected to be completed in the next 18 months and the investment is believed to be one of the largest community investment expenditures by any company in the country.

    Specifically, the technical skills centre consists of a three-block training complex for critical skills required in oil and gas careers, such as pipeline fabrication, welding, electrical works, chemical lab works, civil works and engineering.

    The centre is expected to train over 100 students yearly, mostly from the neighbouring communities.

    The trauma centre, which houses  a two-floor medical complex, will help reduce mortality rates from major medical emergencies. It will include resuscitation and burns room, a theatre suite, helipad, ambulance by and triage area, high dependency and radiology units, mini labs, wards, pharmacy, administrative offices, library and doctors’ call and seminar rooms.

    For the engineering complex, it is to be equipped with generators and independent water supply and will feature a two-floor workshops, laboratories, a lecture theatre, conference rooms and faculty offices, It is expected to serve 2000 students, mostly from the state.

    The significance of the projects, according to the company, should be seen from various perspectives in that while the trauma centre would take care of the health needs of the people, the engineering faculty would when completed provide a conductive learning environment for students while the skills acquisition centre will serve as the hub for the training of youths in various vocations.

    Because of the volume of the investment and coming at a time when it seems difficult for oil companies to show commitment to developing their host communities, the ceremony turned out to be a meeting point for top government officials and key players in the oil industry.

    For instance, while the Chairman/Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Paul McGrath, and the Vice Chairman of the oil company, Udom Inoyo, led the delegation to the ground-breaking, the government was fully represented by Governor Udom Emmanuel, Moses Ekpo, the deputy  and Emmanuel Ekuwem, the secretary to the state government, and commissioners.

    Others at the event were royal fathers and members of the academia.

    It was not that the oil company has not implemented any project of value before in the state. It was because of the likely impact and economic benefits of such a huge investment by the American oil giant in one fell swoop.

    Speaking at the ceremony, McGrath noted the cordial relationship between the oil company and the government. He restated the joint venture’s commitment to long-term operations and mutually beneficial relationship with the state.

    “We know we can continue to count on the support and cooperation of the government, our communities and other stakeholders  as well as all, collectively work towards making these projects a reality and eventually enjoying the many health, educational and economic benefits they are designed to provide to the good people of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    According to him, the company has enjoyed relatively peaceful relations with the people of Akwa Ibom in the past three decades, pointing out that it has made community investments in health, education and empowerment projects.

    He maintained that the company is committed to ensuring deeper social and economic benefits for the communities near its operations and across the state in the coming years.

    “We are proud of our contributions and look forward to working with all stakeholders for greater achievements,’’ he said.

    Giving an insight into the choice of the projects, the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), an arm of NNPC, led by its Group General Manager, Roland Ewubare, said it was an outcome of extensive engagement with key stakeholders in the state and it represents their conviction that direct benefits to citizens should be at the heart of every social investment decision by companies who operate the country’s oil assets.

    Represented by Hillary Akpan, head of Gas unit at NAPIMS, Ewubare said his organisation worked with Mobil Producing in reviewing the investment proposals for the projects, adding that it approved them based on their conviction that they would be of benefits to communities in the state.

    “The projects will address gaps in two focus areas, which we consider vital to social and economic development, capacity and skills development in Nigeria’s oil industry and accessibility to quality health care for citizens. The technical skills centre and the engineering complex when inaugurated will considerably create opportunities for Akwa Ibom State indigenes as well as other qualified Nigerians to develop the much-needed technical skills in our oil and gas industry,” he said.

    Describing the projects as “truly important,” he solicited support for their success by being delivered on schedule. He expressed happiness that the JV partners have over the years found the state and its people to be worthwhile partners to the benefit of stakeholders, adding that it has helped to ensure business sustainability.

    Overwhelmed with joy,  Emmanuel thanked the NNPC/MPN joint venture for the investments and promised to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state is sustained.

    The governor explained that the location of the projects was not based on any political consideration, maintaining that those who are likely to be the major beneficiaries are from the state.

    The paramount ruler of Eket Local Government Area, one of the core oil producing communities also lauded the JV. However, he expressed mixed feelings that one of the projects should have been located in the oil-bearing communities.

    Indeed, the JV partners have demonstrated their commitment to contributing to the growth agenda of the state and their decision to invest  on the projects is a testimony to this and will create long-term economic benefits in the state.

  • ExxonMobil plans N13b investment

    ExxonMobil affiliate, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Mobil Producing Nigeria Joint Venture, has unveiled plans to invest about N13 billion ($43 million) in three community health, economic empowerment and education projects in Akwa Ibom State in the next 18 months.

    The investment is among the largest for community development projects by any company in Nigeria.The three projects include a technical skills centre in Ikot Akata, a trauma centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and an engineering complex at the University of Uyo.

    “These investments will provide long-term health, education and economic benefits to many in our communities,” said Paul McGrath, chairman and managing director of Mobil Producing Nigeria. “We continue to work closely with the government of the Akwa Ibom State as part of our commitment to communities where we operate and helping to improve quality of life,” he added.

    The technical skills centre will consist of a three-block training complex for critical skills required in oil and gas careers, such as pipeline fabrication, welding, electrical works, chemical lab works, civil works and engineering design.

     

    The center is expected to train more than one hundred students annually.

    The trauma centre, which is to be housed in a two-floor medical complex, will help reduce mortality rates in major medical emergencies. The centre will include a resuscitation and burns room; a theatre suite; helipad; ambulance bay and triage area; high dependency and radiology units; mini labs; wards; pharmacy; administrative offices; library; and doctor, call and seminar rooms.

    The engineering complex, which will be equipped with generators and independent water supply, will feature two floors of workshops, laboratories, a lecture theater, conference rooms and faculty offices. It is expected to serve about 2,000 students, mostly from Akwa Ibom State.

     

  • WMD 2018: CAMA, Access Bank proposes investment to eliminate malaria

    Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa, CAMA in partnership with Access Bank Plc and other Corporate Society Organisations (CSOs) will on Thursday April 26th, hold a Malaria Forum in Lagos tagged; “Accelerating Investment to Bring Malaria to Zero”.

    The forum which seeks to bring together group of business executives, corporate health managers, technical experts, government officials, program implementers and global health community to discuss strategies to accelerate investment to bring malaria to Zero in Nigeria and Africa will take place at Access Bank Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The gathering is aimed at showcasing the impact of malaria investment by the private sector on key indicators such as key achievements and innovations. The challenges and opportunities facing malaria elimination in the country. Exchange knowledge on best practices for workplace malaria programs. Feature partnership opportunities for malaria elimination in Nigeria.

    Speakers at the event will include the Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Commissioner for Health Lagos State, Dr. Olajide Idris and GBCHealth President, Nancy Wildfier-Field with a video message from Christoph Benn, Head of External Relations for the Global Fund and a host of private sector leaders; as well as representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Access Bank, Private Sector Health Alliance, Nigerian Breweries and Dangote Foundation.

    According to the Director of the Global Malaria Programme at the World Health Organization, WHO, Dr Pedro Alonso, “If we are to get the global malaria response back on track, supporting the most heavily affected countries in the African Region must be the primary focus.”

    “The 2017 World Malaria Report has also disclosed that progress made in global malaria control is stalling, and risks going backwards without urgent action. Meeting global malaria targets and the aspirations of Nigeria’s national malaria strategic plan will only be possible through greater investment and expanded coverage of core tools to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.

    Head, Sustainability Access Bank PLC, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan said that Investment on Malaria will yield huge returns through increased economic productivity , number of hours in school and lives saved.

    “It makes business sense to mobilise resources and competence to end malaria in Africa.”

    “World Malaria Day, held annually on April 25th, is an opportunity to highlight advances in malaria prevention and control and to commit to continued action to accelerate progress against this deadly disease.

    “This year’s theme –Ready to Beat Malaria– marks the importance of collective responsibility and commitment of the global malaria community in bringing together people on working towards a world free of malaria. The theme also puts the exemplary progress achieved in tackling malaria under the spotlight. It also puts focus on disturbing trends captured in World Malaria Report in 2017.

    During the meeting, CAMA an alliance of global companies from a variety of sectors who are committed to the global malaria fight will launch a case study report on best in class malaria programs.

    The report includes the first-ever mapping of private sector malaria investments in Nigeria and offers suggestions for creating additional impact as the country moves toward malaria elimination amongst others.

    The Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA) is a GBCHealth-led initiative to drive partnerships for malaria control and elimination.

    GBCHealth in the same vein serves as a hub for business engagement on the world’s most pressing global health issues. Since 2001 GBCHealth have helped hundreds of companies develop and implement their own global health programs, brokered countless global and local public-private partnerships and effectively driven business advocacy nationally and globally in service of public health.

  • ExxonMobil bags Sustainability Malaria Programming award

    ExxonMobil has received the Champion in Sustainability Malaria Programming award in recognition of its contributions to the fight against malaria in Africa.

    The award was presented at the West African Corporate Malaria Award Ceremony, which recognises private sector companies that take extraordinary steps to protect their employees and communities from the disease.

    According to Manager, Media and Communications, Oge Udeagha, the award is administered by the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA).

    The award was presented by Dr. Keziah Malm, National Malaria Programme Manager for Ghana, and accepted by Dr. Effiem J. Abbah, ExxonMobil’s General Manager of Medicine and Occupational Health in Nigeria. Dr Abbah noted that in addition to protecting its workforce, the company supported a range of organisations working to strengthen health systems, distribute bed nets, diagnostics and antimalarial treatments, and conduct research into new malaria innovations.

    “We are honoured by the recognition of ExxonMobil’s efforts to combat malaria,” said Kevin Murphy, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “Through our company’s workplace programme, 2,000 cases of malaria have been averted since 2007. Our support to communities has helped distribute almost 15 million bed nets and train 650,000 health care workers since 2000,”he said.

  • A’Ibom youths to disrupt ExxonMobil over non-employment

    A’Ibom youths to disrupt ExxonMobil over non-employment

    The Nigeria Youth Initiative Forum, a conglomeration of youths in Akwa Ibom, have issued a 30-day ultimatum to ExxonMobil.

    The youths are angry over alleged refusal by contracting firms working for ExxonMobil to employ them who are from the catchment area of the multinational.

    The ultimatum contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria threatened to barricade QIT road and the Mobil airstrip should the company ignore the demand.

    The letter made available to our correspondent yesterday was signed by the forum chairman from Eket, Comrade Sammy Bassey and his secretary, Comrade Godwin Edwards.

    Other signatories to the ultimatum are the forum chairmen and secretaries from Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

    The youths alleged that about 400 qualified seafarers and cadet officers from the catchment area had been denied employment by 42 marine and services companies working for ExxonMobil.

    They demanded that ExxonMobil should employ qualified indigenes into its marine department as well as direct all marine contractors to source their workforce from seafarers and crewmen from the catchment area.

    The forum urged ExxonMobil to commence the immediate rebuilding of Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) jetty and also start immediate review of ExxonMobil community relations guidelines of 2007.

    The youths also requested the multinational to direct its contractor, Bristow Helicopter, to star training youths of the catchment area on helicopter operations after decades of operating in the area.

    The forum further alleged that many contracting firms to ExxonMobil had not executed any community development projects in the catchment area since 2007.

    The youths then demanded that ExxonMobil should direct its contractors to discharge their corporate social responsibility to the people of the host communities.

    The forum frowned upon the attitude of some contracting firms that engage the youths from the catchment area on meagre pay packet considering the current reality in Nigeria.

    It lamented that some community liaison officers (CLOs) appointed by labour committee had yet to collect appointment letters from the contracting firms, meaning that they are not accepted.

    The forum called for payment of adequate compensation to some of the youths laid off by some contracting firms working for ExxonMobil.

    The forum further alleged that the gross neglect and insensitivity of contracting firms working for ExxonMobil had denied job opportunities to over 10, 000 youths in the catchment area.

    It noted that the companies working for ExxonMobil had violated of the Akwa Ibom Oil Companies and Vessel law 2007 and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010.

    They further noted that the contracting firms were breaching the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act 2007 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2003 and the Inland and Coastal (Cabotage) Shipping Act 2003 as well as ExxonMobil Community Labour Relations Guideline 2007.

    The forum requested ExxonMobil to direct its Public and Government Affairs Department to liaise with the communities and the state government to avoid further breach of the laws of the land.

    “It is disheartening and pathetic to note that GREMOORE LTD on the instruction and directive of your Public and Government Affairs Department has blatantly and strictly refused to accommodate and integrate the indigenous contractors in the project,” the forum alleged.