Oil industry giant, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (Total), has denied media reports on the Ofon-2 project and employment of Nigerians by one of its contractors.
In a statement at the weekend, it said: “Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (Total), the operator of the NNPC/Total Joint Venture, has received a notice of non-compliance with the Nigerian Content Act, issued by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) against Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a contractor on the NNPC/Total Joint Venture’s Ofon-2 project.
“Contrary to some recently published media reports, the board has not now and did not at any time, make a request or issue an instruction that the Ofon-2 project be shut down.
“Furthermore, the media report suggesting that there are only two Nigerians working for HHI on the Ofon-2 project is incorrect. There are over 100 Nigerians currently working for HHI, which is just one of the contractors on the Ofon-2 project.
“Total will be meeting with HHI and NCDMB to ensure a timely and satisfactory resolution of the issues raised by the NCDMB notice.”
It added: “The Total Group operates in over 130 countries around the world and we and all contractors working for us are required to carry out all operations in a diligent and professional manner and in full compliance with, and respect for all national laws and regulations.”
