Scores of women and youths from 28 host communities in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 34, Delta, staged a mass protest on Thursday, shutting down the Utorogu Gas Plant and disrupting operations of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and ND Western Limited.
Speaking to journalists at the protest site, Comrade Efe Okovwurie, Advisor to the OML 34 Host Communities Forum, stated that the demonstration was against the “outright neglect, disrespect, and deliberate abandonment of corporate social responsibility by NEPL and ND Western Limited.”
“Our people are angry and deeply dissatisfied with the management of NEPL and ND Western Limited for failing to fulfil their obligations to the host communities,” Okovwurie declared.
He explained that the host communities had issued a one-month ultimatum to NEPL and ND Western Limited to implement all agreed commitments but received no response.
“The host communities fault NEPL and ND Western Limited for secretly opening an account with Zenith Bank in Ikpoba, Benin City, Edo State, and depositing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 3 per cent funds without the knowledge or consent of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Board of Trustees (BOT) in OML 34,” he said.
“We demand that these funds be immediately transferred from the Zenith Bank at Ikpoba Hill, Edo State, to the Zenith Bank in Ughelli, Delta State, as established by the OML 34 HCDT BOT.”
The protesters also listed several other demands, including:
Immediate payment of five years’ worth of scholarship arrears (2020-2024) to eligible indigenes.
Release of the 2023 Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) Capacity Building Funds amounting to N25 million for community empowerment.
Settlement of outstanding land rent arrears for 2022, 2023, and 2024 to families and communities hosting oil and gas facilities in OML 34.
Addressing casualisation of workers and harmonisation of welfare packages for community indigenes.
Reinstatement of two drivers allegedly dismissed unjustly by the company.
Publication of an audited report on the 3% Operating Expenditure (OPEX) to the BOT and community leaders.
Immediate disbursement of PIA funds for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 to the HCDT BOT for development projects in the 28 host communities.
Calling on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, and relevant agencies to intervene, Okovwurie criticised the companies for repeatedly ignoring the communities’ grievances.
“It is unfortunate that the 28 host communities in OML 34 have been locked in a prolonged struggle with NEPL and ND Western over failed promises and the refusal to implement agreed resolutions,” he said.
He further revealed that on 12th February 2025, representatives of the host communities and the companies held a meeting where a one-month deadline was set for the fulfilment of the communities’ demands.
“The deadline expired on 14th March 2025, yet the company failed to comply, leaving us with no choice but to protest and shut down operations on 3rd April 2025,” Okovwurie concluded.
The protest marks a significant escalation in tensions between NEPL, ND Western Limited, and the host communities, as residents continue to demand accountability and justice for their long-standing grievances.
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