NLNG: We are evaluating senate’s directive over N18.4bn compensation to host communities

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) says it will evaluate the resolution of the senate over the payment of N18.4 billion as compensation to communities for the acquisition of farmlands. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Andy Odeh, general manager, external relations and sustainable development of NLNG, said the firm was evaluating the resolution and circumstances surrounding it.

“The attention of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has been drawn to a resolution said to have been passed by the senate, following the consideration of a report by its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the sequel to a petition relating to compensation for the acquisition of a Right of Way across some communities,” the statement reads.

“NLNG is evaluating the resolution and circumstances surrounding it.

“NLNG wishes to state that it has always conducted its business responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On Tuesday, the senate asked the NLNG to pay N18.4 billion to about 200 families whose farmlands in Bonny, Rivers State, were acquired for pipelines Rights of Way.

The directive was sequel to the consideration and adoption of a report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that investigated a petition by the communities.

Patrick Akinyelure, chairman of the committee, said following its incorporation, the NLNG acquired landed properties in the state spanning over 210 kilometres for use as its pipeline Right of Way, which ended at the export terminal of the NLNG in Finima, Bonny LGA.

“That there were over 73 communities and over 200 families whose hitherto agrarian source of livelihood was negatively impacted upon by the acquisition,” he had said.

“That after the recent intervention of the senate and after being given one month instead of 7 days allowed by the senate to provide evidence of payment to the committee, the NLNG could only show evidence of payment to some individuals, families and communities.”