Court Orders Mobil, NNPC to Compensate Villages in Akwa Ibom N81.9billion Over Oil Spill

Court Orders Mobil, NNPC to Compensate Villages in Akwa Ibom N81.9billion Over Oil Spill

  • Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited was queried for failing at compensation which didn't help the communities to overcome the economic impact of the oil spill
  • The company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation were penalised and ordered to make series of payments to make up for the economic damages
  • The Federal High Court said the Nigerian-owned oil company prioritised money above the people living in Ibeno villages, Akwa Ibom State

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Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation have been ordered by an Abuja court to pay Ibeno villages in Akwa Ibom State N81.9 billion.

The breakdown of the sum was N42.8 billion as damages for intangible losses, N29.1 billion for special damages as annotated, while general damages against the two companies were put at N10 billion.

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The joint venture partners were directed to make the payment for polluting the communities between 2000 and 2010 within fourteen days, as failure will attract 8% interest on the principal sum yearly.

Mobil and NNPC have been told to pay N81.9billion to villages in Akwa Ibom
Crude oil spill illustration. Photo: Doug Armand
Source: Getty Images

The judgement was made by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court for a case filed by Obong Effiong Archianga and nine others, against the NNPC and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in April 2012.

The government corporation was criticised for putting the lives of the communities at risk in exchange for money. He said the oil exploration caused environmental degradation in the communities due to mishandling by the companies involved.

Justice Taiwo ruled against Mobil’s oral and recorded testimony, stating that it failed to address compensation meant to reduce the economic damages done to fishermen, farmers and the other households in the communities.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that 11 Plc want to acquire a majority stake in Capital Hotel. The company is eyeing 51% control in the leisure business.

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11 Plc wants to buyout shareholders of Abuja hospitality business, Capital Hotel

The oil giant has made an offer to purchase shares from the core investor of Capital Hotel, Hans Gremlin Nigeria Limited. After the agreement, shareholders will approve the deal.

Regulatory bodies will also have to confirm the acquisition by 11 Plc before the deal becomes official and the hotel gets taken over.

Source: Legit.ng

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