Nigeria’s oil production has once again been disrupted as irate youths from the Anyama Clan of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Onuebum community in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State shut down the operations of OML 2005. This action underscores the persistent challenges and grievances faced by host communities, which are compounded by issues of regulatory non-compliance and environmental concerns. The protest, which saw over 100 youths arriving at the oil platform around 9:30 am, led to the shutdown of operations after workers were forced to leave the site.
The protestors accused Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the company operating the oil lease, of showing disregard for the state government’s directives to resume negotiations with host communities and comply with local, state, and federal laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. The demonstration was supported by Onuebum youths, with prominent involvement from the Chairman and Secretary of the Onuebum Oil and Gas Task Force, Mr. John Egapekpar and Mr. Ebitimi Egbenpere. The youths, chanting war songs and displaying placards, demanded the implementation of section 236 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the Onuebum community.
Youth of the community were supported by their traditional leaders.
Samson Lucky, the IYC Chairman (Ayama Clan), emphasized the community’s grievances, stating, “We are in Onuebum to counter the anomalies of Sterling Global in the areas of non-conduct of EIA, disrespect to the Onuebum community, and disregard for extant laws. We call on the company to resume discussions with the community and respect the relevant laws. The company has also rebuffed and shunned efforts by the IYC to assist in the resolution of the contentious issues.” Traditional leaders of the Onuebum community, led by the paramount ruler, HRH Obanema Kine Kobolota Osain Ogo XVI, and his Deputy, John Edede, Opalama XIII, supported the youth’s actions.
They urged the state government to hold SEEPCO accountable. HRH Osain highlighted the community’s patience and peaceful efforts, stating, “When they invaded our ancestral land and desecrated our Forest and burial sites, we restrained the youths from acts that could instigate violence. The company and its agents behave as if they are above the law. We demand that the company conducts an EIA and respects existing laws. Instead of complying, they engage in divisive tactics and disregard community authority. We call on the state government to call SEEPCO to order.”
Challenges affecting Nigeria’s oil production in the Niger Delta.
Chief Samuel Ogoniba, Special Adviser to the Paramount Ruler on Political and Special Duties, also called for intervention from state government agents, emphasizing the community’s desire to avoid violence and the need for SEEPCO to adhere to normal protocols. The ongoing conflict between host communities and oil companies like SEEPCO is just one of the numerous challenges threatening Nigeria’s oil production. Another is Insecurity and vandalism. Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region has a long history of militant activities, sabotage, and Pipeline vandalism. Groups like the Niger Delta Avengers have periodically attacked oil infrastructure, leading to production shutdowns and significant financial losses. These actions are often fuelled by grievances over environmental degradation, lack of economic development, and inadequate compensation for the impact of oil exploration on local communities.
Also, oil spills, gas flaring, and other environmental hazards have severely impacted the Niger Delta region. Communities face polluted water sources, loss of arable land, and health issues due to the toxic environment. Despite regulations, enforcement remains weak, and oil companies are often accused of neglecting their environmental responsibilities, exacerbating tensions with host communities. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) aims to overhaul the oil sector, improving transparency, governance, and community relations. However, implementation has been slow, and many stakeholders, including host communities, feel their interests are not adequately represented. Compliance with existing regulations, such as the EIA Act and local content laws, is often inconsistent, leading to conflicts like the one involving SEEPCO.
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Corruption within Nigeria’s oil sector has also led to the misallocation of funds and resources meant for community development and environmental protection. Mismanagement at various levels of government and within oil companies has further fuelled discontent among host communities, who see little benefit from the immense wealth generated by oil extraction. Nigeria’s oil Infrastructure is aging and in need of significant Investment and modernization. Frequent pipeline leaks, explosions, and operational inefficiencies result in production losses and environmental damage. Modernizing the infrastructure is crucial for maintaining and increasing production levels.