Delta communities are urging the Federal Government and International Oil Companies (IOCs) to provide world-class shore protection to mitigate the effects of ocean surge in the area. The communities, specifically Ugborodo in Warri South-west Local Government Area, are experiencing severe erosion due to the ocean surge, which is threatening their homes and livelihoods. The communities are worried about the impact of the ocean surge on their security, peace, and unity.
Despite decades of oil exploration, the communities feel neglected and lack basic amenities such as portable water, electricity, and employment opportunities.
“It is sad that after over five decades of operating in Ugborodo land, no serious value has been added to the lives of Ugborodo indigenes/other residents and the community itself, by the government at all levels and the IOCs, particularly, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), SPDC now Renaissance Africa Energy Company, NPSL, NGIC etc. No portable water, no electricity, no employment and contracts for qualified indigenes.” They wrote in a statement that they made available to Journalists at a press conference in Ode-Ugborodo on Tuesday October 7.
The communities are demanding the implementation of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Host Communities Development Regulation, 2022, which provides for the recognition and delineation of host communities along the coastlines. The communities also want formal recognition as host communities and the setup of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) as provided by law.
The communities are seeking employment opportunities and contracts for qualified indigenes.
“No reasonable employment and empowerment for our teeming youths. For instance, in Chevron, the Suffer boats approved for youth empowerment was immediately brought to an abrupt end with no reason, while similar opportunities are being given to friends and families of staff members with several of their vessels working here in the community.
There is an ongoing direct Chevron staff employment exercise. Several qualified Ugborodo indigenes and other Itsekiris applied and have gone through the aptitude tests While many applicants from other parts of the country have been employed in this process, not a single Ugborodo indigene or Itsekiris from other communities, have been employed. This has always been the attitude toward us, their host community. This is most unacceptable! We cannot be by the river and soap is gradually blinding us.” They complained.
The communities are warning that if their demands are not met, they may have to shut down IOC operations in the area.
“Let it be on record that failure of these IOCs, NUPRC and other relevant government agencies to act within a reasonable time frame of seven days, will leave us with no other option but to put a complete stop to all International Oil Companies’ (IOCs’) operations within our communities, until the needful is done by NUPRC. A stitch in time, saves nine”. They warned.
