Seplat energy has described as unfounded and untrue the claims by two Delta state communities that the company illegally encroached on their lands.
The company also stated that the said communities -Abigborode and Obotie which are located in Warri North local government area and Sapele local government area of Delta state was not host communities in its areas of operations.
It stated that the host communities to Seplat’s operations in the area are Ugbukurusu and Sapele-Okpe communities.
This was contained in a press statement made available to Blueprint in Benin City by Seplat’s Manager, Corporate Communications External Affairs & Social Performance, Mr Stanley Opara.
The protesting communities had demanded that Seplat Energy recognise them as host communities under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
However, Seplat in the statement stated that, “With the enactment of the PIA and the associated benefits derived therefrom, these communities (Abigborode and Obotie Communities) started laying false claims to the entire area hosting Seplat’s facilities in Sapele Field, within OML 41.
It noted that the records handed over Seplat Energy by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited upon acquisition of the asset do not show Abigborode and Obotie to be host communities in the area.
Opara stated further that: “The records evidence Sapele-Okpe community and Ugbukurusu community as the host to Seplat’s Sapele field facilities.
“From inception till date, Seplat has not acquired any land from these communities for its operations within that area or at all.”
The company added that the communities protest and invasion of Seplat’s location on November 28, unjustly disrupted the company’s operations.
It also stated that the Environmental Impact Assessment of its operations in the area have approvals from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The statement also noted, “As a responsible corporate entity, Seplat will continue to follow all relevant laws and regulations in carrying out its operation and pursuing peaceful resolution of the unfounded claims of the protesting communities.”