Oil Production in Nigeria Threatened by Youth Protest in Bayelsa State
Nigeria’s daily oil production faced another threat yesterday as angry youths from the Anyama Clan of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and Onuebum community in the Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State shut down operations at the OPL 2005 site.
The youths accused Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the project’s owner, of disregarding the state government’s directives on resumed negotiations with host communities and failing to comply with local, state, and federal laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
More than 100 youths arrived at the oil platform around 9:30 am, forced the workers off the site, and shut down operations. They were supported by Onuebum youths, led by the Chairman and Secretary of the Onuebum Oil and Gas Task Force, Mr. John Egapekpar and Mr. Ebitimi Egbenpere.
Chanting war songs and displaying placards, the youths demanded the implementation of section 236 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the Onuebum community.
“We are here to counter the anomalies of Sterling Global,” said Samson Lucky, IYC Chairman (Ayama Clan). “They have not conducted an EIA, they disrespect the Onuebum community, and they disregard existing laws. We call on the company to resume discussions with the community and respect the relevant laws. They have ignored the IYC’s efforts to resolve these issues.”
The traditional leaders of the Onuebum community, led by HRH Obanema Kine Kobolota Osain Ogo XVI and his Deputy, John Edede, Opalama XIII, supported the youths’ actions and urged the state government to hold SEEPCO accountable.
“Our community has been peaceful, and we have urged the youths to avoid violence,” said Osain. “But the company has invaded our land, desecrated our forest and burial sites, and acted above the law. We ask them to conduct an EIA and respect existing laws. Instead of complying, they use divisive tactics and disregard community authority. We call on the state government to order SEEPCO to comply.”
He also appealed to the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Environment and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to enforce compliance with the PIA, EIA Act, and local content laws.
Chief Samuel Ogoniba, the Special Adviser to the Paramount Ruler on Political and Special Duties, called on state government agents to intervene and ensure the company follows proper protocols.
“We don’t want violence. The company should not ignore the community and must follow normal protocols,” he said.