Finima monarch urges President Tinubu to create a task force to address resettlement issues and NLNG host community concerns.
Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up a special task force to address resettlement concerns linked to the Nigeria LNG project.
The call was made by the Amadabo of Finima, HRH Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, Kongo XVII, who also renewed demands for justice and recognition of the community as NLNG host community.
The monarch appealed to President Tinubu to intervene by “establishing a special task force to address the outstanding resettlement issues and ensure the fulfilment of agreements entered into between the community and the project’s promoters.”
He made the call during an event marking the June 10 anniversary of the 2021 attack on Finima residents by neighbouring communities during a protest over alleged neglect by NLNG.
He described the anniversary date as a reminder of sacrifices made by the people of Finima for Nigeria’s economic development.
According to the monarch, who is also the Chief and Head of Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, June 10 has become a permanent memorial for Finima people.
He said the occasion reflects unresolved issues linked to resettlement, displacement and loss of ancestral land.
The monarch also said the Finima Resettlement Project has been neglected, along with several commitments in the community’s agreement with NLNG.
He listed concerns including waste management, rehabilitation of displaced persons, cottage industries and power supply through a proposed gas plant.
Alabo Brown said although some infrastructure exists in the resettlement estate, many residents still face hardship.
He said a court judgment had gone in favour of the community over lease-related disputes with NLNG.
While noting NLNG’s right of appeal, he said the company had not opened dialogue with the community.
He added that Finima, as the original land-owning community, should have a greater stake in benefits from the NLNG project.
He said recent court rulings affirmed Finima’s status as host community under petroleum and local content laws.
He also noted that NLNG facilities and the Train 7 workers’ camp sit on land provided by Finima.
