Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has stepped in to mediate a brewing dispute between Oando Plc and the Okiama and Fierebaghama communities of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, following allegations of neglect and non-compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act, 2010.
The mediation meeting, held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, brought together key representatives from Oando Energy Resources and the aggrieved host communities in an effort to foster dialogue, rebuild trust, and promote compliance with the country’s local content laws.
Chairing the session, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoha, General Manager, Zonal Coordination at NCDMB, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to resolving industry-community conflicts through dialogue and structured engagement.
“Our role as a regulator is not just to enforce compliance but to build bridges of understanding between operators and their host communities,” Okoha stated.
He emphasized that peaceful coexistence and adherence to the NOGICD Act remain critical to sustaining oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.
“The Board is committed to ensuring that no community feels marginalized and that companies operating in the sector fulfil both the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Content law. Dialogue is always better than conflict. We will continue to play our part in ensuring that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector thrives on the foundation of inclusion, compliance, and mutual respect.”
The mediation followed a petition submitted by the Okiama and Fierebaghama communities, alleging that Oando had failed to meet its community development obligations as stipulated by the NOGICD Act. The petition accused the company of neglecting social investment commitments and failing to engage local manpower and contractors in ongoing operations within the host area.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of the Okiama community, Chief Ebikeme Okoroma, urged NCDMB to “hold Oando accountable to its social and statutory obligations.”
He said: “For years, our people have watched oil operations proceed around us with little or no tangible benefit. We are not against development or investment; we simply demand fair treatment and compliance with the law.”
Similarly, Mrs. Ebimoboere Ekiye, a youth leader from Fierebaghama, called for transparency and inclusiveness in employment and contracting opportunities. “The NOGICD Act was enacted to empower Nigerians and host communities. We want to see that law working for us, not against us,” she stated.
In response, Oando Energy Resources expressed willingness to engage constructively with the affected communities and NCDMB to resolve all outstanding issues.
A company representative, Mr. Michael Edem, assured that Oando remained committed to sustainable host community relations. “We take community engagement seriously. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and improve how we collaborate with our stakeholders,” he said.
He added that Oando had already initiated internal reviews to assess community-related projects and pledged to work with NCDMB to develop an actionable framework for addressing legitimate concerns. “We are not here to argue; we are here to find solutions that ensure peace, progress, and compliance,” Edem emphasized.
The NCDMB facilitator, Mr. Okoha, commended both sides for their willingness to engage, stressing that the Board’s mediation approach is built on fairness, transparency, and respect. “The goal is not to apportion blame but to ensure that community expectations align with what companies are legally and operationally positioned to deliver,” he said.
He disclosed that the Board would follow up with field verification visits and technical reviews to monitor compliance levels and report outcomes to relevant authorities.
The NOGICD Act, enacted in 2010, mandates oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria to prioritize local participation in employment, contracting, and community development. The law is enforced by the NCDMB to promote indigenous capacity, foster economic inclusion, and mitigate social tensions in host communities.
Oando Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Oando Plc, is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous exploration and production companies, operating several assets across the Niger Delta region. However, in recent months, community groups in Bayelsa and Delta States have raised concerns about compliance with local content provisions, prompting the Board’s intervention.
The meeting ended on a conciliatory note, with all parties agreeing to reconvene after a review period to evaluate progress on the agreed resolutions.
