Some communities had accused the two oil giants of land-grabbing.
The federal government is investigating land-grabbing complaints against some International Oil Companies in Bayelsa State, south-south
According to the ministry, the probe is in response to a petition by
The ministry disclosed that
Officials from the
The team would embark on a fact-finding mission to Biseni, Enebele, Ogbia and Gbaran communities in Bayelsa.
In their petition, the communities had accused the two oil giants - Agip and
According to the ministry, the investigative team began the exercise by meeting with top Bayelsa officials, including the commissioner and the permanent secretary in the
"Thereafter, the team proceeded to Biseni Kingdom, Ogbia, Gbaran, and Enebele Communities, where town hall meetings were held with traditional rulers, landlords and some indigenes.
"The team toured oil facilities in Biseni Kingdom comprising Idu Well 1,13 & 14, operated by Agip, and the Adibawa Well 1 and Koroama Manifold, operated by SPDC, and many others.
"During the interactive sessions, the chiefs and some landlords said the oil companies grabbed their family lands without adequate compensation or rent paid to the family.
"Some families alleged that they were being paid inadequately, while some alleged that no payment was made at all.
"However, Agip, in a letter to the ministry, requested a meeting with the petitioner and the groups they represented, with the aim of resolving their grievances."
The ministry quoted
(NAN)
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