Environmental Sustainability, Community Inclusion Top Concerns as Public Hearing Holds on Ibom Oil and Gas Corporation Bill

By Asuquo Edem 

 The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today held a public hearing on the proposed “Bill to Establish the Ibom Oil and Gas Corporation,” with key stakeholders emphasizing the need for environmental sustainability, accountability, and community inclusion.

Declaring the session open, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the Assembly, stated that the bill is intended to help Akwa Ibom fully harness and take rightful ownership of its oil and gas resources. He decried the state’s current marginalization in the national oil and gas industry, despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s crude oil output.

“Though we are an oil-producing state, we are still in the backwaters when it comes to playing key roles in the sector. This bill is a step toward changing that narrative,” he said.

Otong noted that the aspirations of the bill underscore the 8th Assembly’s commitment to economic diversification, adding that the legislative framework is designed to push the state beyond civil service dependency into a more commercially active and inclusive economy.

Also speaking, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum, said the proposed law would provide clarity for investment, facilitate partnerships between government and private contractors, and allow Akwa Ibom to play an active role in gas exploration, drilling, and petroleum distribution.

“This bill aligns with the ‘ARISE Agenda’ of the Governor. When passed, it will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on federal allocation,” he said.

The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, represented by Permanent Secretary Iquo Abia, praised the bill’s economic potential but cautioned that development must be balanced with environmental and social responsibility.

“The Corporation will boost revenue, attract local and foreign investment, and ensure energy security. However, we must be mindful of the environmental challenges ahead,” she stated.

In his submission, Mfon Gabriel, a participant and member of Civil Society, noted that although Akwa Ibom produces over a third of Nigeria’s crude oil, it has not fully benefited from this resource. He proposed the inclusion of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation in the bill to offer technical guidance. He also called for provisions that require annual reports to promote transparency.

Environmental activist Mr. Victor David raised concern over the lack of an independent regulatory mechanism in the proposed law.

“Will the corporation regulate itself? There must be an independent oversight body to ensure checks and balances,” he queried, also urging lawmakers to include host community benefits, such as a 3% allocation to affected areas.

From the host community perspective, Barr. Diamond Akpan, representing the Ibeno Elders Forum, called for board representation for communities directly impacted by oil exploration.

“The bill should ensure that people from oil-bearing communities have a seat at the table. They should not be left behind in conversations about their own land,” he stated.

The session concluded with calls for further refinement of the bill, especially regarding environmental protection, community engagement, transparency, and long-term sustainability.