Rising Bunkering, Militancy In Ogbaru Threatening Anambra Oil Economy
In 2022, Anambra state was recognised as an oil bearing state in Nigeria and got enlisted as the 11th member of Niger Delta Development Commission or 13 per cent derivation beneficial state.
This followed years of administrative process which involved Environmental Impact Assessment Approval and feasibility to ensure that the mineral deposit in the state was commercially viable.
Effort for effective exploration of oil and gas in Ogbaru dated back to 2010 when China Petroleum & Chemical Company (SINOPEC) crossed the River Niger into Ogwu-Aniocha from Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, South-south Nigeria for oil exploration.
SINOPEC discovered some oil wells but could not continue for unknown reasons and left in 2011.
In 2013, Sterling Oil Engineering and Exploration Production Company (SEEPCO) moved in and has maintained a significant presence since 2019.
Their operations later become a window of economic prosperity for Anambra as it earned it the status of an oil producing state and making it a beneficiary of 13 per cent derivation in 2022.
Sadly, growing insecurity in the Ogbaru area has become a threat to the operation of SEEPCO.
The challenges range from sprawling militancy, oil bunkering, communal crisis and illegal refining of crude.
This, according to the company, had resulted in a drastic decrease in the volume of production.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka recently, Mr Austin Brown, General Manager of Community Relations and Security of SEEPCO said the problems they were facing included oil theft, insecurity and Community related issues between Ogwu-Ikpele Communities.
According to him, between last year, 2023 to August this year, SEEPCO has recorded over 25 tapping on its pipeline and uncovered nine illegal oil refineries between Akili Ogidi and Obagwe.
“This hostile development is undermining the economic growth of SEEPCO, Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
“Again, insecurity has become the other of the day in Ogwu-Ikpele and Ogwu-Aniocha Communities, this is currently affecting the smooth operations of the company in the area,” he said.
On the recent attacks in the area, the official said SEEPCO workers under military escort were attacked and three Soldiers were killed, one wounded and four rifles carted away.
He said the attack took place on June 11, 2024 led to the abduction of nine workers and murder of one of the workers by the gunmen.
Brown said Community related issues have also been affecting the operations of SEEPCO in Anambra.
He said “ on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 this year, some youths from Ogwu-Ikpele Community besieged our facilities and damaged the windscreen of about 12 vehicles and vandalised our offices because they wanted the removal of the Community liaison officer of the Community.
“Our operations were shut down over unnecessary issues at various times. These are major problems SEEPCO in host communities in Anambra,” he said.
Stakeholders say declining production will have negative effect on the revenue from Petroleum accruable to Anambra
They called on the Anambra government to endeavour to evolve a secure and conducive environment for the companies exploring in the area.
They called for effective collaboration between SEEPCO and the government in the quest for safe operation and optimal production in the state.
