Okomu oil commits N80m to safety
News & Trends •
in 2017 we spent n8.4 million on environmental impact assessments and audits1 days after it declared n2.8 billion dividend the management of okomu oil palm has committed n80 million to environmental and health safety for its staff and host communities1 heifer spoke to the news agency of nigeria nan on friday on the side-line of activities to mark the companys health safety and environment hse day1 activities to mark the day were held at the companys corporate headquarters at okomu in udo ovia south west local government area of edo1 heifer said the companys management which had taken issues of hse as a priority was hopeful of getting the round-table on sustainable palm oil rspo certification this year to meet global standards1 rspo was established in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through credible global standards and engagement of stakeholders1 heifer said we will continue to focus our energy on environmental conservation health education and safety issues1 this is to ensure that any negative impact on our staff their families communities stakeholders and the surrounding biodiversity within our jurisdiction as result of our activities are mitigated and minimised1 the company successfully completed all statutory environmental audits in 2017 without any state and federal sanctions and continues to pursue and maintain certifications by international standards organisation to ensure that stakeholders are guaranteed the highest standards possible1 he said that the company has designated more than 10 per cent of its total area as high conservation value hcv areas a notable achievement in the area of conservation1 the managing director of the company dr graham heifer said that the 2018 commitment was in line with international best practices1 the company also spent n48 million on staff health safety and welfare programmes up from n35 million in 20161 the managing director further said that the company had invited independent auditors from internationally recognised ngos who work closely with rspo for independent assessment1 the independent auditors have said we are good to go and all that is remaining is for us to book an appointment with an auditor from rspo to do its order which we hope will take place in october1 once we are certified we are then able to display the ispo logo on our banner like the iso certification1 the certification will be pleasing to us as that will make okomu oil plc the first nigerian company to be so certified by rspo he said1 mr benson imasuen the edo chairman of the agricultural and allied employees union of nigeria commended the management of the company for its proactive measures especially on hse-related matters1 it is wonderful to know what okomu is doing with hse to ensure safety of human beings and the environment1 its one of the companies we know that is 100 per cent compliant with rspo conditions1 we as a union are confident that the company will get rspo certification this year he said1 the company on june 12 announced a n2.8 billion dividend after tax for shareholders. nan1