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The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared a zero-tolerance stance against the exploitation of local workers by Sterling Global Petrochemical Company, a foreign oil prospecting firm. The government insists on adherence to globally accepted employment standards in both public and private sectors.
This firm stance comes in response to serious allegations of mistreatment and non-compliance with labor laws by Sterling Global. Chief Assam Assam, SAN, Director General of Government Business and former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, communicated the government’s position. He chairs a mediation committee addressing conflicts between Sterling Global and communities in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo.
Chief Assam criticized the firm’s insensitivity and condemned its use of military intimidation against the locals, stressing that the state will not tolerate any actions that demean Akwa Ibom citizens. He urged Sterling Global to adopt Governor Umo Eno’s labor-friendly policies, warning that failure to comply could result in the revocation of their operational land rights.
“We cannot accept this in any part of Akwa Ibom State. You cannot reduce our people to slaves in their own land. We must see the nominal roll of your employees and understand your operations to prevent any security risks,” Assam stated. He demanded clarity from the company representatives.
Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, accused Sterling Global of irresponsibility, citing their disregard for court orders and refusal to engage in state-mediated negotiations. Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Okon Okon, revealed that Sterling Global has not paid any taxes, including tenement and PAYE taxes, indicating potential tax evasion.
Local leaders from Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo expressed their distress over the company’s impact on their communities and praised the state government for its intervention, noting the situation had become unbearable and dangerous.
© Imaobong Umoekah
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