OML 42: Group Opposes Renewal of Global FTO Agreement In Delta 

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Niger Delta group under the OML 42 Youth Forum has asked Host Communities of OML 42 in the Delta State to “reject and protest against” any attempt by Jones Creek Hydrocarbon to renew its Global Freedom to Operate (FTO) agreement.

According to a statement which copy of it was made available to newsmen in Warri on Monday, the OML 42 Youth Forum noted with concern that “the Global FTO with Jones Creek Hydrocarbons which commenced on 1st May, 2024 will expire on April 30th 2025”.

The OML 42 Youth Forum’s statement reads, “This is a Stand Against Injustice, a Call to Reject the renewal of the unfair and slave-to master Agreement.

“The agreement has increased marginalization of the host communities, her youth, host contractors and all stakeholders are suffering as the agreement has failed to meet the aspirations of the host communities”, the OML 42 Youth Forum has declared.

The OML 42 Youth Forum made the assertions in a statement delivered by its Chairman, Comr Mamamu Bakkawei Williams during a meeting held with youth leaders and stakeholders of the communities comprising Odidi , Egwa , Batan and the Jones Creek Oil and Gas fields within OML 42.

“On behalf of the OML 42 youths across Odidi, Batan, Jones creek and Egwa host communities, we protest against any attempt to renew the Global FTO with Jonescreek Hydrocarbons which commence 1st May 2024 – to expire April 30th 2025.

“All contracts ranging from well head revamp, flowline repair, sectional replacement and reconstruction, dredging, well interventions, flowstation re-entry at Egwa, Gas lifts repairs, Gas compression Odidi, among others, were seeded to Jonescreek Hydrocarbon which is also part of Obijackson groups of companies which Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi is using to hijack all contracts to his companies.

“The said agreement states that for all unskilled jobs, 40% percent of skilled jobs shall be nominated from the host communities, when job vacancy is available for Jonescreek Hydrocarbon Limited youths from these host communities will be considered,

“Till date, there are no jobs for ours youth. This company only encourages ghost workers. They refused to engage host communities youth. We are marginalized. They have not employed any qualified persons from the host communities while they are practically running all the contract jobs in the OML 42 asset.

“The agreement threatens to exacerbate economic inequality by favoring multinational corporations at the expense of host contractors. The promise of job creation has proven hollow. They outsource labour, leaving our community to face unemployment and diminished opportunities.

“The negotiations surrounding the Global FTO have been shrouded in secrecy. The youths and stakeholders have been left in the dark regarding the true implications of this agreement. We demand full disclosure and open dialogue about the terms that will significantly affect our lives.

“We urge our community leaders and stakeholders, to stand firm in opposing this renewal. It is time to reclaim our rights and demand a fairer, more equitable approach in our dealings in OML 42.

“We are saying enough is enough. We call the JPMT of Amaranta and NEPL, community leaders, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Minister of Oil and Gas, the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, the NNPC GMD Mele Kyari, and the His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) President Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene to avert the crisis that might arise if the said arrangements is renewed which will disrupt oil production in OML 42”.