Wilmar International, through its subsidiaries Biase Plantations and Eyop Industries Limited, has initiated engagement with host communities and stakeholders regarding the proposed conversion of the 8,550-hectare Uyanga Rubber Estate in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State into an oil palm plantation. This move is part of the ongoing review of the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The engagement meeting, held at Teny Homes, Ekorinim, Calabar, brought together key stakeholders, including the chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Felix Akposi; the paramount ruler of Akamkpa, Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani; and the member representing Akamkpa I state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Okon Owuna. Also in attendance were traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, and representatives of directly and indirectly affected communities.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Mr H. D. Ladula, emphasized that the review is crucial to address areas requiring clarification and concerns raised by stakeholders before the project proceeds. He noted that the process is designed to ensure that relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the assessment of the proposed development.
Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Felix Akposi, commended Wilmar for subjecting the proposed conversion to the required environmental and social assessment process. He stressed that adherence to due process and international best practices will help ensure that the concerns and interests of host communities are adequately captured in the final assessment.
The lead panelist, Professor Damian Agom, described the engagement as an important stage in the assessment process. He explained that the review would enable the panel to critically examine the ESIA and determine whether the proposed project should proceed or be discontinued based on its findings.
Honourable Okon Owuna raised several issues requiring further clarification and stronger commitments from the project proponents, including the proposed educational support and foreign scholarship components. He also called for employment opportunities to go beyond unskilled labour and for the project proponents to invest in the capacity development of local people.
The company representatives, including the Plantation Head, Mr Anthony Voo Gin Fah, and senior management officials, assured the panel and stakeholders that the issues raised would receive priority attention. They pledged to address and implement the identified concerns and grey areas, as appropriate, and provide specific commitments from Wilmar in areas requiring further action.
Key points
- Wilmar International's proposed 8,550-hectare Uyanga oil palm estate project undergoes ESIA review.
- Stakeholders raise concerns over employment opportunities, educational support, and capacity development.
- Company representatives pledge to address concerns and implement identified changes.
