Energy Firms Reaffirm Support For Host Communities

Sumedha Energy Limited, a joint venture involving Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) alongside NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has assured the Federal Government that its oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta align with global best practices.

The firm gave the assurance when the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, paid a courtesy visit to the company’s base office in Iko Town, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

LEADERSHIP Sunday learnt that the visit formed part of the minister’s field assessment tour of oil and gas host communities in Eastern Obolo LGA, aimed at gaining firsthand insight into community realities, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and identifying opportunities for sustainable poverty reduction and inclusive development.

Dr Doro was accompanied by the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria (IAN), Dr Kingsley Udo, and the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Head of Security and Community Relations, Col Deb Kumar Bose, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of Sumedha Energy’s operations in Akwa Ibom State.

He noted that the company currently operates across 11 LGAs and maintains an average workforce of about 3,000 employees, underscoring its significant contribution to economic growth and job creation in the state.

Col Bose highlighted the company’s commitment to local content development through the engagement of qualified local talents in its operations and value chain.

He emphasised that Sumedha Energy remains focused on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with its host communities while creating opportunities that enhance livelihoods and support sustainable development.

Col Bose also revealed the company’s robust Community Development Programme (CDP), designed to improve the quality of life in host communities.

He noted that Sumedha Energy has consistently invested in critical infrastructure projects, healthcare interventions, educational support initiatives, and human capital development programmes across its areas of operation.

According to him, the company has undertaken projects including the provision of community infrastructure, support for healthcare services, educational scholarships and learning materials, vocational skills acquisition programmes, and empowerment initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods and creating sustainable economic opportunities for community members.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to drive inclusive growth and long-term development in its host communities.

The minister commended the efforts of stakeholders working towards community development and explained that the purpose of the visit was to obtain a direct understanding of the conditions, challenges, and opportunities within the host communities.

“I came on this tour to have a direct feel of the communities and gain a better perspective of their realities,” Dr Doro stated, stressing the importance of evidence-based interventions in addressing poverty and humanitarian concerns.

The visit further reinforced the importance of collaboration between government institutions, development partners, host communities, and responsible private sector operators in driving meaningful and sustainable development outcomes.

Sumedha Energy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community well-being, economic empowerment, and long-term prosperity across its areas of operation in Akwa Ibom State.