The Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area has voiced strong opposition to what it says is SEPLAT Petroleum’s persistent disregard for its rights as a host community to major oil facilities within OML 41.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the town hall, community leaders accused SEPLAT of moving ahead with fresh pipeline installations without consulting them, despite years of petitions and documented proof of their ownership of lands in Ugbekoko, Uton Iyatsere and Abigborodo.
They reminded the public that the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and the Host Communities Development Regulations of 2022 clearly outline the responsibilities of oil companies to properly engage their host communities. According to them, SEPLAT has ignored these legal requirements, leaving the community marginalized.
The leaders referenced several official reports, including the Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve, published in Gazette No. 1 of 2021, which affirmed Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed lands. They expressed concern that the state government has yet to act on the white paper from the inquiry, which recommended formal recognition and compensation for the community.
They also cited the findings of the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee, which investigated complaints against SEPLAT and confirmed that Abigborodo and Ugbekoko are recognized host communities. The community said it was disheartening that these recommendations have not been implemented, leaving them exposed and excluded.
Responding to questions from journalists, the chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee compared the situation to the Niger Delta crisis that eventually led to the amnesty programme, noting that the denial of community rights was at the heart of the unrest. He warned that failure by SEPLAT to engage with Abigborodo could lead to rising tensions.
The community listed its demands, calling on SEPLAT to suspend pipeline activities until proper consultations are carried out, urging that security agencies not be deployed to intimidate or suppress lawful protests, and appealing to the federal government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and other relevant bodies to step in and safeguard their rights.
In conclusion, community representatives emphasized their commitment to peaceful and lawful actions in defending their land. However, they cautioned that continued neglect of their rights would worsen poverty and threaten peace in the Niger Delta. They appealed to the media for broader coverage of their concerns and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
