AKIPCON demand for clean up of hydrocarbon polluted communities in A'Ibom

By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Akwa Ibom Oil Producing Community Development Network, has recommended immediate clean up and remediation of environment affected by decades of hydrocarbon pollution in the state.

President General of the group, Dr. Ufot Phenson made the recommendation in a paper he presented at the Stakesholders parley organised by the National Oil Spill Dectection and.Response Agency titled ” Negative Effects of Hydrocarbon Pollution in Eket yesterday.

Phenson, who is a lecturer in the department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, lamented that hydrocarbon pollution such as oil spill, gas flaring, toxic waste dumping and others have impacted negatively on the socioeconomic lives of the affected communities.

He called on oil companies to pay adequate compensation as provided in post impact Appraisal and Evaluation Report already submitted to them and put in place adequate measures to forestall future spillage and other measures to secure the livelihood of the communities.

“In line with the provisions of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and NOSDRA, Oil Spill Recovery, clean up, Remediation and Damage Assessment, 2011, part 3, sub paragraph 26,(1,2,3) AKIPCON strongly recommend that

“Adequate compensation as provided in the Post Impact Appraisal and Valuation Report already submitted to the MPNU, SPDC, TOTAL, E&P, ADDAX, MUNI-POLU, Network.Exploration, Seven Exploration and Production etc should be paid to the affected communities.

“Such compensation should be paid through AKIPCON who holds the power of Attorney from the Paramount rulers and over 600 fishing and farming groups and associations in the 31 local government areas of the state.

“Immediate clean up and remediation of the battered environment and oil companies operating in Akwa Ibom.state should put in place adequate measures to forestall future oil spill” Phenson stated.