Community Relations
We ensure that our operations in the heart of the Niger Delta – where fishing is a major preoccupation – are sustainable and do not disrupt local livelihoods.
Our onshore communities primarily consist of subsistence farmers, and we make sure this sustainable preoccupation is maintained by helping them adopt modern farming techniques.
Antan Producing Limited (APL) Is Laying The Foundation For Sustainable Community Relationships
When Antan Producing Limited (APL) commenced operations in 2023 following the exit of Addax Petroleum Development Company, it inherited 49 communities across three concessions (OML 124 Onshore Imo State, OML 123 offshore Akwa Ibom State, and OML 126 offshore Rivers State). These communities are remote from the state capitals and are predominantly rural, with minimal government presence. Unemployment is high, commercial activities are very limited, and social institutions are weak. These challenging socioeconomic conditions pose several obstacles to APL’s operations.
However, as a wholly owned Nigerian company and a subsidiary of NNPC, which prides itself on being community-friendly and viewing the community as a key stakeholder, APL has adopted innovative strategies and sincere engagements to enhance the well-being of its host communities and earn their trust and confidence.
Cultural Partnership
APL supports the annual New Yam/Okorosha Festival in the Izombe community of Imo State. The Okorosha festival has lasted over 150 years and is the most influential cultural display in the community, offering arts, entertainment, fashion, and strong consumer brands, as well as prestige among the people. The festival culminates in August each year with the Okorosha market carnival held by all the villages at the Ogborafor market in Izombe. APL is proud to be associated with this vibrant display of rich culture.
Student Empowerment
APL recognises the importance of education as the bedrock of generational advancement. To this end, APL identifies and awards scholarships to deserving students in tertiary and post-primary institutions. This gesture has helped underprivileged families ensure their children’s educational aspirations are not cut short.
Youth Empowerment
Youth unemployment has a profoundly negative psychological and financial impact on individuals and the broader community. In Nigeria, youth unemployment leads to several adverse consequences, including a rise in militancy, violent crime, kidnappings, and other forms of socially disruptive behaviour. To address these issues, APL has prioritised the employment of community youth in accordance with the Local Content Act. As a result, over 31% of APL’s employees come from the host communities.
Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs
In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, APL recognises that advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment is crucial for a healthy society, because it contributes to reducing poverty and promoting the health, education, and overall well-being of all individuals. As part of a deliberate effort to empower women, APL has implemented a micro-credit scheme designed to provide seed funds on a revolving basis, encouraging women from host communities to actively engage in small-scale enterprises. The objective of the scheme is to foster entrepreneurship, enhance the livelihoods of the host community, and improve their overall well-being.
