The resolution of the Senate regarding the payment of N18.4 billion to communities as compensation for the seizure of farmlands would be evaluated, according to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
Andy Odeh, general manager of NLNG’s external relations and sustainable development, said in a statement on Wednesday that the company was analyzing the resolution and the circumstances surrounding it.
The statement reads, “The attention of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has been drawn to a resolution purportedly passed by the Senate, following 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.
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“NLNG is assessing the resolution and its circumstances.
“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.
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“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.”
