Bayelsa community raises alarm ‘over marginalisation’ in gas pipeline project

Bayelsa State may be on the brink of another oil and gas-related crisis as the Egeberiki Community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has raised an alarm over alleged marginalisation in the ongoing discussions concerning the Obama/Kolo Creek 8” 32km Gas Pipeline Project.

In a letter addressed to Oando Energy Resources (OER), the community, through its legal representatives, Emmanuel Isangidoho & Co., warned that its exclusion from negotiations regarding the project could lead to tension.

The letter, directed to the Divisional Manager, Stakeholders Management and Community Development at Oando, called for urgent intervention to prevent possible unrest.

According to the letter, the affected section of the pipeline route—points OBK 3 to OBK 12—passes through land exclusively owned by the Egeberiki Community, as affirmed by a 2007 Supreme Court judgement.

The ruling settled a long-standing legal dispute over the land, confirming Egeberiki’s ownership against the Ikoni family. Despite the ruling, the community alleges that neither Oando nor its predecessor, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has compensated them for the land acquisition.

The legal representatives, who attached a letter from NAOC acknowledging the Supreme Court ruling, said that the multinational oil company is expressing reluctance to pay the compensation due to fear of resistance from the Ikoni family.

The community contends that Oando, which inherited NAOC’s assets, has continued this pattern of neglect, accusing them of being “False Landlords.”

The Egeberiki Community further accused Oando of engaging with parties that do not have legal ownership of the land, claiming discussions are ongoing with the Ikoni/Kantee family of Akakumama, the Ibokolo and Ebede families of Dorgu Ewoama, the Clan Head of Okoroma, and the Okoroma Council of Chiefs, while the rightful landowners are sidelined.

The letter described this engagement as an “expropriatory scheme” aimed at depriving the Egeberiki people of their rightful benefits from the project, warning that such actions are “naturally resentable and provocative,” with possible consequences on peace and stability in the area.

The letter read: “To prevent a potential crisis, the Egeberiki Community has made specific demands from Oando, and they are: (1) Immediate cessation of all meetings and negotiations with any individual, family, village, or organisation claiming ownership of the land between OBK 3 and OBK 12.

“(2) Formal engagement with the Egeberiki Community as the recognised host community, in line with Nigeria’s oil and gas regulations. (3) A commitment to corporate social responsibility in the area, as required by law.”

The community’s legal representatives further urged Oando to act swiftly, warning that “a stitch in time saves nine” and emphasising that peace, safety, and security should be prioritised.

Efforts to reach Oando Energy Resources for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE