The Isoko Development Union Youth Wing Worldwide (IDUYW) on Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest at the site of Sterling Global Oil & Gas Resources in the Ellu/Ovrode axis of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, over alleged violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (Local Content) Act.
The protesters accused the oil company of failing to fully implement the provisions of the Act, particularly in the areas of employment, contract awards and engagement with host communities.
Addressing the demonstrators, the President of the Isoko Development Union Youth Wing Worldwide, Joel Emeni, called on Sterling Global Oil & Gas Resources to engage constructively with host communities and comply with the Local Content Act.
Emeni said the youth body remains committed to peaceful engagement and sustainable development in Isoko land, stressing that the protest is aimed at drawing attention to concerns affecting host communities rather than creating unrest.
He urged the company to implement the Local Content Act “in both letter and spirit” by providing qualified Isoko indigenes with fair employment opportunities, awarding contracts to indigenous businesses and maintaining meaningful engagement with host communities.
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According to him, compliance with the law would foster stronger relationships between the company and its host communities while promoting inclusive development.
The protesters also called on Sterling Global Oil & Gas Resources to review its employment policies, create more opportunities for qualified Isoko youths and indigenous contractors, and strengthen its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the affected communities.
They appealed to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and other relevant government agencies to closely monitor compliance with the Local Content Act and ensure that oil-producing communities benefit from the economic opportunities generated by operations in their areas.
The protest ended peacefully, with the youth group reiterating its commitment to dialogue and urging the company to address the issues raised.
