Nigeria’s oil output is encountering another challenge due to host communities in Bayelsa State’s coastal area issuing a 14-day deadline to NNPC Exploration & Production Limited. They’ve warned of shutting down activities at Oil Mining Leases 86 and 88 unless their concerns regarding security contracts are resolved.
The deadline, outlined in a letter dated March 28, 2025, which we received through our correspondent on Wednesday, bore signatures of prominent community leaders impacted by these issues. These signatories included Chief Christopher Tuduo (Ezetu 1), Dr. Amakiri Ngozi (Fishtown), Mr. Tuadei Alex C. (Ezetu 2), Mr. Aneri Ebimene (Ekeni), Engr. Ileberi Ebiwei (Koluama 2), Chief Thankgod Bunafigha (Koluama 1), Chief Saighe Martins (Ezetu 2), Ekemeghuesuotei Sese (Foropa), and Hon. Uroh Kiani (Sangana).
The communities stated that this step goes against the previously agreed upon terms and also erodes the trust and collaboration essential for maintaining smooth activities in these areas.
The correspondence stated, “This letter serves to officially address the recent decision made by the administration of Pennington Production Limited (an affiliate of NNPC and managers of OMLS 86/88) regarding the conclusion and dismissal of services from Multiplan Nigeria Limited, along with the allocation of three community service vessel contracts within the operational areas of OMLs 86 and 88.”
Host Communities of KEFFES considers this step inappropriate and insists on prompt resolution to prevent any disturbance to the long-standing peace and stability within the KEFFES area.
The conflict revolves around NEPL’s choice to end the agreement with Multiplan Nigeria Limited, which was selected by the local community as their security provider, and decrease the count of locally owned security boats from three to two.
It was observed that one of the ships has been assigned to a contractor unfamiliar to the local communities, which they consider a breach of longstanding accords.
OMLs 86 and 88 were formerly managed by Chevron Nigeria Limited prior to their transfer to NNPCL.
The eight host communities—including Sangana and Fish Town within the Brass Local Government Area, along with Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Foropa, Ekeni, Ezetu 1, and Ezetu 2 located in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area—have depended heavily on these security agreements since they were initiated by Chevron back in 2007. These arrangements aim at ensuring stability and protecting oil facilities.
In their correspondence, the communities highlighted to NEPL that upon assuming operations in 2021, they committed to taking on all pre-existing debts and agreements, which encompassed the provisions for the security vessels.
They contend that the ships belong collectively to the community and that any alterations to how they’re managed ought to have been previously communicated to them.
The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust, which represents the impacted regions, has called for the prompt renewal of the three security vessel agreements, complete settlement of all unpaid bills from 2024, and a mandatory meeting with NEPL’s leadership within one week to address the matter.
The three security vessels embody longstanding community service agreements established in 2007, remaining active until 2020 under Chevron Nigeria Limited’s management. Since the transfer of operations to NEPL in 2021, these contracts have proceeded without interruption. It should be noted that at the initial meeting among CNL, NEPL, and the KEFFES host communities, NEPL committed to assuming all responsibilities and assets from CNL according to their previous arrangements with the KEFFES host communities, including these ongoing security vessel contracts.
The letter went on to state, “All newly signed or renegotiated agreements with Multiplan Nigeria Limited or any other contractors should not be implemented to avoid disrupting the peace and stability within the operational areas.”
All three security vessel agreements need to be restored immediately as public service contracts to maintain regional stability and unity.
The communities have issued a warning that if their demands are not fulfilled within two weeks, they will resort to shutting down oil production at OMLs 86 and 88.
If no acceptable solution is achieved within fourteen (14) days from this communication, the KEFFES host communities will be compelled to utilize every resource accessible to them to guarantee a total cessation of activities in the OMLS 86 & 88 fields until the issue is fully addressed to the satisfaction of these communities.
It is crucial for NEPL to recognize the gravity of this situation and take immediate action. Delaying or ignoring these issues could compromise the current stability as well as erode the trust and good relations that have supported activities in the KEFFES area.
The possibility of a shut down brings up worries about possible interruptions to Nigeria’s oil output and income since the impacted oil fields are crucial assets within the nation’s maritime petroleum industry.
This confrontation highlights the larger strains between resident populations and petroleum corporations, particularly since global oil enterprises are withdrawing from land-based and near-shore activities. This shift leaves government-run and locally based entities to manage intricate interactions with these communities.
Efforts to obtain a statement from the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, regarding the matter proved futile as he did not reply to any of the inquiries.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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