The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a stern warning to Sterling Global Petrochemical Company, a foreign oil prospecting firm operating in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obollo local government areas, regarding reported maltreatment of indigenous workers.
The government has mandated the company to disclose the employment status of all its workers, including expatriates, or risk revocation of its licenses and land rights. This ultimatum was delivered by Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director General of Government Business and former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, who chairs the mediation committee between the oil firm and the affected communities.
Chief Assam expressed strong disapproval of the company’s alleged disregard for worker engagement rules and their use of military intimidation tactics. He emphasized that the Akwa Ibom State Government will not tolerate any actions that demean its citizens.
“Sterling Global must adopt the labor-friendly approach championed by Governor Umo Eno and act as a responsible corporate entity. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their operational land and licenses in Akwa Ibom State,” Assam stated. “We cannot accept any treatment that reduces our people to second-class citizens. We need a complete employee roster to ensure no illegal arms are being imported under the guise of equipment.”
Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, criticized Sterling Global for its irresponsible operations and disregard for court orders and government mediation efforts. Additionally, Mr. Okon Okon, Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, highlighted the company’s failure to pay tenement and PAYE taxes, suggesting a deliberate attempt at tax evasion.
Transition committee chairmen for Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo LGAs shared the distress their communities are experiencing due to Sterling Global’s actions and praised the state government for its intervention.
When Human Resource Manager David Walker was asked to present the staff list, he claimed to have left it behind but mentioned that 3,710 people are employed on the company’s projects. However, he clarified that the provided conditions of service only apply to Nigerian nationals and exclude expatriates.
Walker’s inability to present comprehensive employment details, including positions and salaries of expatriates, underscores the company’s opaque operational practices, further fueling government and community concerns.
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