UPDATED: Seplat Debunks Media Report On Alleged Quota System For Providing Employment

… Says “We Are In Touch With Ikweghwu Community In Sapele”

By: Nelson Agbajor, Sapele
Following media reports concerning a quota system for providing employment at the Seplat Warehouse and contract awards to its host community which led to a protest by some youths at the warehouse of Seplat in Ikweghwu -Amukpe Community, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State on January 21, the management of Seplat has debunked the publication, saying that the Oil Company is not aware of any such agreements but is currently in discussions with Ikweghwu Community to amicably resolve the issues.

The protesting community members our correspondent gathered, alleged that Seplat was yet to implement a purported agreements recently reached with the community in a meeting held at the palace of the Orodje of Okpe kingdom sometime ago.

When contacted, Seplat told newsmen that its host community is their priority in ensuring that the relationship between the company and the community is cordial.

In a statement signed by Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu, General Manager, External Affairs & Communications, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, said they were making moves to resolve the crisis.

The Statement read:

“COMMUNITY PROTEST AT SEPLAT WAREHOUSE IKWEGHWU- AMUKPE

“On the morning of January 21, 2021, some Ikweghwu community members in Amukpe, Delta State led a protest in front of the Seplat Warehouse located in the community. The protesting community members alleged that Seplat was yet to implement purported agreements recently reached with the community in a meeting held at the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe concerning a quota system for providing employment at the Seplat Warehouse and contract awards to the community.

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“Seplat is not aware of any such agreements but is currently in discussions with the Ikweghwu community to amicably resolve their demands.

“Since inception, our communities have remained our critical stakeholder, and we remain committed to our prime objective of creating a highly beneficial relationship with our communities. Our commitment is demonstrated in the strong partnerships built by Seplat with its communities in the Niger Delta over a decade of operations, resulting in a stable operating environment for the Company.”

At the time of filling this report, efforts to reach Ikweghwu Community for comments proved abortive.