Tensions have flared in Bayelsa State as eight oil-producing communities have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) over unresolved grievances regarding security vessel contracts.
The coastal communities — Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, and Sangana — have threatened to shut down operations at Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 86 and 88 if the dispute is not resolved swiftly.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to NEPL, the Chairman of the KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust, Chief Tuduo Christopher, accused the company and its contractors of excluding local stakeholders from contracts traditionally seen as crucial to community welfare and security.
“The vessels are not merely assets but are regarded as monuments of peace,” the letter stated, underscoring the socio-economic importance of the contracts, which reportedly benefit over 650 people directly and indirectly.
The Trust alleged that Pennington Production Limited and its contractors, Multiplan Nigeria Limited and EDEMX, assumed control of key contracts without consulting host communities or attending reconciliation meetings held in April and May. “We are indeed exhausted of the back-and-forth movement of things when it comes to the KEFFES communities’ security vessels contract,” the Trust stated.
Other complaints include delayed contractor payments — some pending since 2023 — and the alleged disregard for community invitations and negotiations.
Citing Section 257(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the Trust warned that continued neglect could trigger civil unrest, vandalism, or sabotage.
The communities have given NEPL seven days to convene a meeting with the Trust and the new contractors, after which they demand the evacuation of all contractors and vessels from the sites within 14 days or risk a full operational shutdown.
“We urge you to act decisively and responsibly within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the continuity of peace and prosperity in the KEFFES Host Communities,” the letter warned. “A stitch in time saves nine.”
The warning comes amid broader national concerns about the delicate balance between oil operations and host community relations, particularly as more international oil companies exit onshore assets, leaving state-owned and local players to manage legacy issues.
Efforts to reach NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.Bayelsa remains a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil output, and disruptions in the region could pose significant risks to national production targets.
