Seven Energy Joins Voluntary Principles on Security, Human Rights
An independent Nigerian integrated gas development, production and distribution company, Seven Energy International Limited, has joined the globally acclaimed ‘Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights’ initiative.
Seven Energy was admitted into the Corporate Pillar category and becomes the first indigenous firm in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to be accorded such recognition.
The Voluntary Principles Initiative is a multi-stakeholder initiative involving governments, companies, and nongovernmental organisations that promote implementation of a set of principles that guide oil, gas and mining companies on providing security for their operations in a manner that respects human rights.
Specifically, the Voluntary Principles guide companies in conducting a comprehensive human rights risk assessment in their engagement with public and private security providers to ensure human rights are respected in the protection of company’s facilities and premises.
Commenting on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer, Seven Energy, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho said he was excited that the plenary had approved the application of Seven Energy to join the prestigious Voluntary Principles Initiative after a rigorous selection process.
“This recognition underscores how we have conducted our operations across our host communities in a manner that promotes public safety and respect for the rights of the people. We remain committed to the development of Nigeria’s gas resource and will continue to support local and national economic growth by operating in a way that recognises and respects the rights and safety of the people impacted by our business,” he said.
Ihenacho added that over the years, Seven Energy has implemented a number of initiatives such as the Green Team Initiative, which is a community engagement process.
He further stated that under this process, community leaders and youths are engaged to maintain and monitor pipeline’s right of way, and community enlightenment programmes aimed at ensuring safety of the company’s facilities and those people living within the pipeline rights of way.
“Regular interactive sessions are held with the host communities to ensure that their rights and privileges as contained in the various Memoranda of Understanding signed with them are respected.
The Voluntary Principles are the only human rights guidelines designed specifically for extractive sector companies,” he said.
The principles give guidance on risk assessment, public safety and security, protecting human rights, and the interaction between companies and private security.
The written principles represent a voluntary agreement between participating companies, governments and NGO’s on what steps companies should take in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that encourages respect for human rights.