IMO STATE: Committee On Local Content Compliance .... Uzodinma Appoints Ex-US Army, Bish Johnson As Secretary of Committee

"Oil companies impoverishing host communities".....Imo Governor.

"Swears in Capt. Bish Johnson as Secretary to Imo State Committee on Local Content Compliance".

The non-compliance to Local Content Law 2010 by oil companies operating in Imo State is behind the pauperization and impoverishment of oil-producing communities in the state, the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said.

Gov. Uzodimma, spoke in Owerri penultimate Tuesday during the inauguration of the state Committee on Local Content Compliance.

The governor stated that it was the non-compliance to the law that has left the oil-bearing communities poorer, undeveloped and bereft of amenities and insisted that his administration has come to change the narrative.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Petroleum and Gas Matters, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah explained that the law was enacted to ensure indigenous participation in the Nigeria's Oil and Gas Industry for the purpose of improving the economic and social wellbeing of those engaged in the operations of the oil and gas industry.

Opiah, however, decried that most oil companies operating in the state had failed to employ citizens of the state into management positions, adding that the government cannot tolerate such situation.

He said the committee was set up to ensure the compliance of the oil firms to the Local Content Law, thereby halting the negative trend in the oil producing areas.

Opiah, urged the committee to do a thorough job and make the state proud.

He said: "You have the mandate of the state government to go to these oil companies and identify areas of noncompliance. 

"You are to partner with the state government led by Gov. Hope Uzodimma to make a difference by making sure that what belongs to the state comes to the state.

"Imo, our dear State, will become an industrial hub in no distant time. We will host manufacturing companies, especially those in petrochemicals and we need you to ensure they comply with the Local Content Law.

"Therefore, it is only right that we start now to ensure compliance to the Local Content Law for the development of the communities and the State at large".

Opiah added that the establishment of the Committee was a proof that the State Governor reserved special interest in the transformation and development of the oil producing areas.

The Committee is headed by Barr. Promise Uyaeme as Chairman, while Captain Bish Johnson Chuks serves as the Secretary.

Other members of the committee include: Sir Collins Ughalaa, Barr. Kelvin Ugwu, Engr. Ike Irona, Hon. Obinna Ariaga, David Egbula, Dr. Collins Jumbo, Engr. Enyinnaya Okere, Engr. Solomon Okonkwo, among others.