Residents of the Okuni community have raised concerns over the activities of a Chinese firm allegedly operating without proper authorization or respect for local agreements
. The community claims the firm lacks essential documentation, such as a company name, state authorization for wood processing, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration.
A community representative expressed frustration, stating, “They don’t have a company name or the necessary registration papers to carry out wood processing here.
How can you obtain CAC registration without a company name? They refuse to show us any agreements with our community chiefs. We cannot continue to tolerate faceless foreign nationals who are indiscriminately depleting our natural resources.”
The representative also highlighted the mistreatment of local employees, citing incidents where community members working for the firm suffered serious injuries without receiving adequate care or support. “One of our sons, Alobi Ndoma, lost three fingers while working at the factory. Another, Chima Raphael, suffered hot water burns, yet the management showed no concern. Is that fair? Is this how a company should treat its hosts? Enough is enough,” he stated.
In response, Raymond Okongor, the Chief Security Officer of the Chinese firm and a native of Okuni, acknowledged the youths’ concerns. “What the youths are asking for is their right. They want to see the agreement between the Chinese and the community. While such an agreement exists, it is not the company’s responsibility to present it.
The community chiefs and lawyers should explain and show the demanded agreement,” Okongor explained. He also mentioned that a meeting would be scheduled once the company’s manager, who was currently out of town, returns.
Meanwhile, the community’s lawyer, Ichire Okim, insisted that the Chinese firm holds all necessary documentation from Nigerian authorities and has valid agreements with community elders, contradicting the claims made by the disgruntled residents.
As tensions continue to rise, the community awaits further clarification and action regarding the firm’s operations and adherence to local agreements.
