COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

JDZ BLOCKS 5 AND 6

Arbitration and Lawsuit

The Company's rights in JDZ Blocks 5 and 6 are currently the subject of legal proceedings at the London Court of International Arbitration and the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria.  The Company instituted both proceedings in November 2008 against the JDA and the Governments of Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.  The Company seeks legal clarification that its rights in the Blocks remain intact.

The Company was awarded a 15 percent working interest in each of the Blocks in a 2004/5 bid/licensing round conducted by the JDA following the Company's exercise of preferential rights in the Blocks as guaranteed by contract and treaty.  The JDA and the Government of STP contend that certain correspondence issued by a previous CEO/President of the Company in 2006 amount to a relinquishment of the Company's rights in Blocks 5 and 6 under the Company's contracts with STP which provide for the rights.  The Company contends that no such relinquishment has occurred and has sought recourse to arbitration accordingly. It also filed the suit to prevent any tampering with its said rights in JDZ Blocks 5 and 6 pending the outcome of arbitration.

Suspension of Proceedings on the Arbitration and Lawsuit

Proceedings on the suit and the arbitration are currently suspended while the Company pursues amicable settlement with the Governments of Nigeria and São Tomé Príncipe. Several proposals have been mooted on either side but without agreement yet.

ROUTINE CLAIMS

From time to time, ERHC may be subject to routine litigation, claims, or disputes in the ordinary course of business.  ERHC intends to defend these matters vigorously.  The Company cannot predict with certainty, however, the outcome or effect of any of the litigation or investigatory matters specifically described above or any other pending litigation or claims.  There can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits and investigations