The Akwa Ibom State Government has vehemently condemned the alleged illegal activities of Sterling Global Limited, which operates in the coastal areas of Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo. The government has pledged to investigate and address the company’s operations within the state.
During the resumed Tripartite Negotiation meeting held at the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning in Uyo, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, Chairman of the Tripartite Negotiation Committee, expressed strong disapproval of the alleged mistreatment of Akwa Ibomites employed by Sterling Global Limited. He emphasized that the state government would not tolerate the humiliation of its citizens by any company operating within its borders.
Chief Assam, the Director of Government Business, stated, “I’m not going to stand here and get the management of Sterling Global to insult us as a state. Tell your employers that nobody can come here to treat us badly.” He insisted that companies operating in Akwa Ibom must identify with the state and the host communities, and that expatriates must be duly registered with the government.
Chief Assam highlighted several key points during the meeting:
– Companies must comply with local content rules and make investments in the state to enable tax payments.
– The state requires a list of all companies working with Sterling Global to ensure compliance and security.
– Failure to provide necessary information would result in the revocation of land licenses.
The management of Sterling Global, represented by David Walker, failed to present concrete documents regarding the company’s operations, employee conditions of service, detailed nominal roll, tax clearance documents, and other necessary paperwork. Walker claimed he was neither authorized nor compelled by any legislation to provide such information but noted that the company employs 3,710 people in the state, without listing them.
Mr. Okon Okon, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Board, revealed that Sterling Global has never paid taxes to the state government, often arguing that they had not begun operations in the area.
Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, expressed disappointment in the company’s disregard for state authority and assured that the government would use all available powers to ensure transparency in Sterling Global’s operations.
The negotiation meeting included notable attendees such as State Comptroller of Immigration Jumai Babson, DSS representative Eno Henshaw, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning Mr. Effiong Nicholas, Assistant Director of Labour Mrs. Glory Essien, SSA to the Governor Dr. Essien Ndueso, and Transition Chairpersons Hon. Mercy Bassey (Ikot Abasi), Hon. Uro Bill Nango (Mkpat Enin), and others.
