Indigenous contractors have threatened to seize Agip’s facilities in the Niger Delta region if their outstanding debts are not settled.
Agip, a subsidiary of the Italian multinational oil and gas company Eni, has been planning to divest its assets in the region.
However, this move has been met with strong opposition from the indigenous contractors, who claim that they are owed substantial amounts by the company.
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The contractors argue that Agip’s divestment plan is an attempt to evade its financial obligations, and they have vowed to take over the company’s facilities if their debts are not paid.
Acting on behalf of the Coalition of Indigenous Contractors of Agip (CICA), the contractors questioned why Agip would enter into such an agreement without first negotiating the terms of paying off all of their outstanding obligations.
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In a statement released, the chairman of the coalition, Ifeanyichuku Olisa, and the secretary, Chief Felix Alumona, expressed regret that Agip owed their members a sizable debt for the work they performed for the corporation.
The contractors have called on the government to intervene and ensure that their interests are protected.
They believe that Agip’s divestment could have serious implications for the local economy and the livelihoods of those who depend on the oil industry.
Agip has yet to respond to these allegations.