The House of Representatives Committee investigating the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility by international oil companies operating in the South-South has threatened to sanction firms ignoring its invitations.
The Chairman of the Committee, Lilian Orogbu, stated this on Wednesday at the resumed hearing of the committee at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja
Orogbu who represents Waka North/Awka South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, noted that some of the companies have been ignoring invitations from the Committee, stressing that very soon, the committee will use its powers to sanction the concerned companies.
Addressing the concerned companies, she said, “This committee was formed to investigate petitions coming from those places where you operate. A series of petitions are coming from your host communities. We are not here to witch-hunt anybody.
“We are here to work together to see that your operations are carried out with all sense of responsibility and that those communities where you operate feel happy that they are also benefiting from these companies operating in their midst.
“We are all talking about building a new Nigeria. While the Presidency is talking about a renewed hope agenda, we need to give hope to our citizens.
“The committee report will be prepared very soon and we won’t want your companies to be indicted. In the next few days, we will be discussing the host community issues, company issues, and how these companies have been handling the host community issues. I am sure you won’t want your companies to be mentioned.”
Continuing, she added, “If that does not mean anything to you, by the time we begin to invoke the powers of the National Assembly and the powers of the Constitution on your companies, I am sure you won’t like it.
“We are here to work with you and in the area where you are not meeting up, the committee will advise you but don’t make us look as if we are witch-hunting you.
“But if we find out that your company has become a troublesome company to this committee, we will use all our powers to fight back. So please, we would want you to conduct yourself in the most appropriate manner expected of companies of your repute”.
According to the lawmaker, the hearing was a follow-up to the one earlier held on March 6, adding that it is part of efforts to find out the level of implementation of CSR by oil companies.
She said “It is an incontrovertible fact in Nigeria that the South-South region is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy and is rich in natural resources and brimming potentials.
“However, alongside this bounty comes responsibility, a responsibility for corporate bodies to ensure their operations contribute positively to the socio-economic and environmental well-being of this region in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
“I urge all participating companies to approach this process transparently and commit to the nation. We want to work with you, not against you to create a win-win situation where businesses flourish along thriving and empowered communities.”