By Divine Sam
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed Sterling Global to cease all further encroachment and closure of creeks in the state.
This resolution was reached during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Wednesday in Uyo, as stated by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah.
According to Umanah, the decision followed complaints from various oil-producing communities, particularly within Sterling Global’s operational area. After thorough review, the SEC directed the company to restrict its activities to the initially allocated 1,000 hectares of land and the 700-hectare buffer zone.
Additionally, the council instructed the Ministry of Lands to assess all approvals granted to the company and ensure its operations remain within legal limits.
The SEC also approved the establishment of a Department of Occupational Safety within the state’s public service, to be led by a Permanent Secretary under the Office of the Head of Civil Service, alongside the recruitment of Safety Officers.
In line with the ARISE Agenda’s Agriculture and Food Sufficiency program, the government inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, chaired by Prof. Okon Ansa.
Furthermore, the governor granted approval for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to oversee the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Asset Management and Maintenance Agency, effective April 2, 2025.