Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

Ihovbor-Evboeka community filed an action at the Abudu High Court, Edo
State, in 2007 challenging Orior-Osemwede's description of the proper
boundary between both communities. Orior-Osemwende alleged that it owns
all the land east of the moat located just after the NIPP access road based on a
decision of the Palace (Oba of Benin). The boundary dispute was referred to
the Palace of the Oba of Benin in 2005 and a verdict was delivered in 2007 in
Orior-Osemwende’s favour. Traditionally, and under customary law, all
lands in the Benin-speaking part of Edo State belonged to the Oba of Benin,
and it is within the remit of the Palace to decide on the boundaries of
communities under the Benin Kingdom, including Ihovbor-Evboeka and
Orior-Osemwende.
The matter was heard in court in October 2011 and was adjourned until
December to determine whether the Palace was a proper/necessary party to
be joined in the suit and the legitimacy of the decision. These tensions
between the communities will need to be carefully managed during the
development of the Project going forward.
5.5 ECONOMICS, LIVELIHOODS, AND EMPLOYMENT
5.5.1 Key Livelihoods
The total Nigerian labour force is estimated to be 49.6 million people, or
approximately 32 percent of the total population (World Bank, 2009). Females
are estimated to represent 35 percent of the national labour force. Roughly 67
percent of males are employed, compared with 37 percent of adult females
(World Bank, 2010). According to figures from 2004, an estimated 71 percent
of the population of Nigeria lives below the poverty line of USD1 per day
(EHO, 2010).
Agriculture is the largest economic sector nationally, employing
approximately 70 percent of the labour force as of 1999. Key products include
cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, rubber, maize and rice. Industry accounts for
10 percent and other services the final 20 percent (CIA World Factbook, 2011).
Agriculture is the also the dominant economic sector in Edo State. The major
cash crops produced are rubber, cocoa and palm produce. In addition, the
state produces such crops as yams, cassava, rice, plantains, guinea-corn, and
assorted types of fruits and vegetables.
The main occupations reported in the three communities of the study area are
typical of semi-urban communities in Nigeria, and include farming, trading,
logging and hunting and processing of agricultural products (eg cassava).
Trading may range from a small shop in front of a house to large scale buying
and selling in local markets. Other common occupations include carpentry,
bricklaying, and other forms of salary jobs or service provision.
AZURA EDO IPP
5-19
DRAFT EIA REPORT