Ex-militants from Akwa Ibom State have urged the Federal Government to award a contract for the surveillance of oil pipelines in the state to them in line with the local content law.
They also requested active involvement in the activities of oil companies operating in the state as regards the Host Community Development Trust.
They made the demands in a statement on Sunday signed by the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteers, General Ekpo Ekpo, and Director of Information and Communication, Maj. Gen. Henry Okon Etete.
They alleged that ex-militants in the state had been marginalised and abandoned by the oil companies, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the state government and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s highest earners of the 13% derivation fund. Our struggle contributed to the increase in oil production and the oil revenues the state is enjoying today.
“It is an irony that communities in the state continue to live in penury without basic amenities. Unemployment has reached an all-time high. Our environment continues to suffer from oil spills and gas flaring.
“It is against this background that we are asking the federal and state governments as well as the IOCs to be alive to the plight of the people by ensuring that the areas mentioned are addressed.
“The NDV hereby calls for the full implementation of the Host Community Development Trust, ensuring community, government, ex-militants participation and transparency.
“More investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and empowerment programmes in our villages. They should ensure strict environmental regulations, and provide employment among others,” the group stated.
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